Isaac Newton said: "If I have seen further, it is only by standing on the shoulder of giants" he was quoting a philosopher who had said: "We are like dwarfs sitting on the shoulders of giants. We see more, and things that are more distant, than they did, not because our sight is superior or because we are taller than they, but because they raise us up, and by their great stature add to ours."
This is how I feel. Dad, you are a giant to your boys.
You have laid the foundation, not only for your kids, but for generations to achieve greater heights. As much as it has been your calling to break new ground, it is and will be our calling to stand on your shoulders and go even further. Not just in Bible translation, but as stewards of God's Kingdom.
We are who we are because of you. You have ushered your children into a relationship with the Lord, you have taught us to follow our hearts, you have empowered us for life. You have allowed us to make mistakes, even when it hurt you, because in your love for us you knew that some lessons are learnt, not taught. You have shown us what it is to be brave, you have shown us what it means to have faith. You have lead our family in more adventures than Daniel Defoe or Jules Verne could have thought up. You have shielded us from harm, you have prayed us into safety. You have fought for our livelihood and continue to provide more than we could have ever asked for. Because of you, we know what makes a good father. Because of you we understand our heavenly Father so much better.
I know that if you were asked, you would say that your greatest achievement is your family. And we feel that, because you have always put us first. I have learnt from you that God values the little things we do as much as the big ones. You have been faithful both to this little family, and in the great work that you have been called to.
