My Father

I will always hold you, father,
Dearest to my longing heart.
You're more important to me
More than at the very start.

Tho' you're not my earthly Father,
I know this one thing to be true,
That in these times we're changing
And the situations too.

But, there's one important thing
That I know will never change,
And that's the need to be loved
No matter what the age.

Both young and old desire it
For it's a cherished gift,
The precious gift of love
That my heart leaves you with.

It's deeper than any ocean
Or bright blue rushing sea,
My love for you, Father,
As you have treasured me.

When I married your son
You did not even hesitate
To call me your very own,
No, you did not even wait.

You received me right in
To your precious family,
Found you to be a Christian.
I knew that speedily.

I became one of the many,
Fortunate, chosen few
To inherit a dear, precious
Father-in-law like you.

My heart knew immediately
That you had love for the Lord,
Held him deep 'thin your heart
As you studied his Holy Word.

So faithful you had become,
In your righteous endeavors
Living each and ev'ry day
Within his holy favor.

So spirit-ual-ly minded
And of much, earthly good
As you walked down the road
Of blessed Fatherhood.

You're one of God's favorite,
One of his chosen few
And I'm forever grateful
To have lived, knowing you.