My Dad Taught Me…

“Whither shall I go from thy spirit? Or whither shall I flee from thy presence? If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: If I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there. If I take the wings of the morning, And dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; Even there shall thy hand lead me, And thy right hand shall hold me…

For thou hast possessed my reins: Thou hast covered me in my mother’s womb. I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: Marvellous are thy works; And that my soul knoweth right well.”
‭‭Psalm‬ ‭139:7-10, 13-14 ‭KJV‬‬

My earthly Daddy passed away a few days ago. I FULLY admit, I’m a Daddy’s girl. He loved and spoiled me and I saw him as my wise hero. I have so many fond and funny memories of Donald Evans. I thought it would be appropriate to share this one on my blog. (Y’all know I process things by writing.)

For those who didn’t know my Dad – many times he was a man of few words unless he knew or liked you. Oh, he would speak and be social, but sometimes his facial expressions would scare my friends that didn’t know him well. (He was a softy and a push over actually.) He was a leader of people, but would “pull up beside you individually and tell you stuff.” If he liked or loved you he would drop nuggets of wisdom if you paid attention. (Actually, he would even if he didn’t care for you – it may have come out a little harsher. 🙂)

In my late 20’s, early 30’s I had renewed my relationship with God. Smile – I was on fire!! Two or three services a Sunday, Bible study, choir practices – I was hungry for the Word and the things of God. You couldn’t keep me out of a church building.

We can note here – I am emotional and expressive in church – my Dad, very solemn and thoughtful in his worship. There’s nothing wrong how you praise, as long as you have relationship. As a matter of fact, later in life he wouldn’t sit directly next to me because I “clapped too loud.” (Man, that makes me think of some hilarious stories of him in church.)

😂😂😂

This instance though I remember clearly, it was a beautiful Sunday. At that time my Dad was not inclined to go to church due to a misunderstanding. (He later wouldn’t miss a Sunday.) His Sunday ritual at the time was cutting his grass and tending to his garden. Back then his yard was one of the prettiest in the neighborhood. I loved to see the flower boxes and perfectly trimmed bushes. Along with that splendor, many friends and neighbors would partake of the fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, zucchini and greens he would harvest.

I stopped by my parent’s home this particular Sunday after church to see my Dad appearing to rest after cutting his grass. It looked like he was admiring his hard work. I parked my car and walked in the yard to greet him.

I think I teased him jokingly saying something like – “You didn’t go to church today?” Then I sat in a lawn chair near him. His response shifted this “church going” girl’s perspective.

He said something to me like. “Daphne I’m having church right now. I’m looking at all of God’s creation and I know He’s with me. Look at the trees, the garden and grass. I’m praising God right now.”

I remember leaving that particular interaction with my Dad smiling and taking note. He often dropped nuggets on me like that to teach me things throughout my entire life…

God used Donald Evans, my Daddy on earth, to teach me about Psalm 139.

You can look for God everywhere and in everything. His creation is all around us. Yes, God’s in the church building, but you can seek Him out and praise him whenever you want. He’s there.

In the tradition and memory of Donald Evans, I leave each of you with this thought/nugget – Don’t forget to take in God’s creation and thank Him. We’re not defined by a place or day to do so…He’s everywhere.

“Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.”
‭‭Philippians‬ ‭4:4‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Thank you God for the blessing of my father. Thanks Dad for that revelation and many others in my life…