BABA Day

The Chinese word for "8" is /ba/.  The word for "daddy" is /baba/.  So on August the 8th the Taiwanese celebrate Baba day!  Father's day this year in June was one week after we moved here to Taiwan.  It completely took my jet lagged brain by surprise as I realized what day of the week it was! I quickly had the kids make daddy cards while he was in the shower!  Rich is so sweet and he was so thankful.  It was far from the big deal we would of made had we been in the states!  I don't know how you are but we like to celebrate even the smallest events in big ways!  So normally I would be a little jealous that Rich would get TWO Father's day in one year but this gave me chance to make up for the missed opportunity to show him how much we love and appreciate him!  So the kids got to work yesterday on their gifts for daddy.  Homemade boxes made from paper and tape filled with a paper airplane, "I love you" notes and a Hershey kiss, a dinosaur book and a sign!

The kids think breakfast in bed is the best thing that you could ever do for a person.  When we began discussing how to make Daddy's day special this was the first thing that naturally came to mind.  As I asked what else we could do to make his day special Hudson said (in his still slightly babyish voice that I adore), "Demember when you guys took the bucket and rags and put our feet in it-in Hawaii?" I reminded him that we were washing his feet like Jesus did for the disciples. "Yes, yes!  Let's do that!"  We all agreed that this was a great idea!  They would get to serve Daddy like he has done every day for us!

 So the next morning we woke Daddy with coffee and breakfast and then led him to the dining room where he was given a special seat!  The kids got on their knees and began to wash their Daddy's feet.  Katie began to say a prayer of thanksgiving and praise for God giving them such a great Daddy.  All 3 kids kneeled by Rich washing his feet as she prayed.

His heart was full to say the least!  There were lots of hugs and kisses and then we were on with our day!  Rich is a humble, gentle, loving Father.  Katie, Hudson and Charlee know that they are loved by their Daddy by his words and actions.  God has given him patience and a steadfast love for his family.  We are blessed to have him leading our family!

As I write this I am reminded of the sinful woman at the feet of Jesus and Mary listening to Jesus teach at His feet.  I can't help thinking of the humility and trust that it takes to kneel down and do anything at someone's feet!  Both of these women sitting at their Maker's feet fully aware that it is a place of honor to be there.  And how Jesus responded--"Your faith has saved you; go in peace." and "Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her."  It is at the Father's feet that we see faith, find peace, comfort, goodness and His steadfast love!  This has been a vital truth for me to cling to as we have just moved overseas and are waiting on the Lord for direction regarding ministry.  Looking at the picture of the kids washing Rich's feet, I am reminded- that is where God wants me- humbled and trusting Him- serving Him by being with Him- blessing and praising His Name, completely sure that His Name will be exalted in all the Nations.  Baba sounds so close to Abba- when we have a relationship that is so deep and so personal with God that we can call him "daddy". Baba Day has been a sweet reminder to sit with my Abba in the seat of honor at His feet.