Wesley United Methodist Church

A Tribute to Daddy Rabbit on Father's Day this Sunday.  I always struggle with the concept of God as ones parent because of the image that reflects for some people.  As for me that is not a problem, except unlike God, my Dad was not perfect, he was more like me, imperfect.  His name was John.  I began calling him "Papa John" and the last 35 years he was "Papa John" to many and did not make that many pizzas, if he ever made one.  To me he was also "Daddy Rabbit."  With his many imperfections he did teach me how to wash dishes standing in a chair in the kitchen, to separate clothes for washing and how to add detergent, to make a bed, sweep the floor, hang out the clothes, cut the grass, take out an automobile engine, rebuild and reinstall, and to hit a fast ball...these just come to mind.  He was also Big John.  At his death a little girl down the street cried to her grandmother and said, "Now who is going to chase me, play with me, and scare me." Ol Fred came my to see me after the funeral and said, "There is nobody who did more for the town than your Dad.  He fixed more cars for needy people than any other person I know...for free." You see Fred owned Hayes Garage - Dad worked out in the yard.  As this day approaches I struggle with my imperfections, wishing I was a better Dad, but for the most part I did my best.  If we were perfect we would not need a Savior.  See you at the meeting palce where imperfect people worship and acknowledge we need forgiveness and loving.  Just like, hopefully, your imperfect parents love and forgive you.

Terry