Ever have one of those days when you miss those you’ve lost? I was having one of those days, thinking of my dad. He died way too young at the age of fifty-two from colon cancer. Even though it had been years since he'd passed, I couldn’t stop thinking about him, perhaps because I’d just turned fifty-two. I had outlived my father’s age. He seemed so much more mature and confident than I felt. On the other hand, I’m pretty sure I look younger at fifty-two than he did. That’s another subject that probably should go under the title of “Denial”.

Anyway, back to my point: I missed Dad. In the decades since he’d passed, I felt his absence most when I wanted his advice. Funny how we don’t appreciate our parents’ advice while they’re willing and able to share it, especially when we’re teenagers. Although there were many wise people in my life, including my mom, sometimes I just wanted to talk to Dad. What I would have given to have his input when we were forced to relinquish our first son after our adoption fell apart or when our business partner embezzled our sizable investment. How I wish I could have discussed whether I should leave my job after my boss and I had ethical differences. I missed him the most as my children were growing up. How I would have appreciated his wise, fatherly counsel and his light-hearted wit. If only he had lived long enough to meet his grandchildren. He would have been so proud of them, and they would have been blessed by his wisdom and involvement in their lives.

My house felt quieter than usual, making Dad’s absence seem larger. With the boys in school and Kassi away on her eighth-grade class trip, I realized they were growing up fast.

The pinging sound of my cell phone interrupted my thoughts. As I looked at my phone, I noticed a text message from Kassi. A smile crossed my face. Perhaps she missed me as much as I missed her. Before I could read the message, an image popped up. I caught my breath. She had sent me a picture, a picture of my dad. Then another picture followed, one of our family when we were much younger.

Tears welled up in my eyes as I sent her back a message, “Where did you see these pictures?”

“At the Little Red School House! We camped overnight here last night.”

The Little Red School House in Helena had been renovated as a historic site. My grandparents and parents had been actively involved in the restoration project. Evidently, as a way to recognize those families who had helped, pictures had been mounted on the wall, including one of Dad and our family. I had no idea the pictures were there. What a wonderful surprise.

I felt like I had just been given a hug from God. In His wondrous way, He had used technology and my daughter’s class trip to give me the gift of “seeing” Dad. Although I couldn’t have a conversation with my wise dad, my wise Father, who is just a prayer away, knew the longings of my heart.

Psalm 37:4 “Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” (NIV)

James 1:5-6: “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind.” (ESV)