5 Years

5 years ago, today, I woke up to go running with my brother and came back to hear the news that my dad had ran his last.

I don't really have much eloquent to say, but I feel a deep need to say something. That's been my frustration all day. Someone needs to remember. Someone needs to say something. But no one here ever knew my dad. No one here knows just how great he really was. And, sadly, I lack the words to tell them. I can talk all day about silly little stories - of how he did triple axles in the parking lot after church every Sunday or how he was addicted to watching "24." I can go a little deeper and talk about how he helped me with my homework and read his Bible every day. Of how he had missionaries over all the time and loved to learn about other cultures. But nothing I can say really does justice in explaining how great of a dad I had.

He wasn't a famous preacher or a missionary martyr or anyone who might cause us to have a holiday to remember him by. He was an engineer. An engineer who went to the same job for 35 years. He was quiet and pretty serious and not always recognized. And yet his impact was huge. I really think he led by Jesus' ministry model. Invest in a few and impact the world. My dad invested in four people - my mom, my sister, my brother, and myself. Sure, there were plenty of others he cared for and served, but he definitely gave up his time and life for us. And, not to boast, but I think it's only fare to say that his investment is paying off.

My mom has played a huge role in her church and is a woman of great influence there and at her work. Not to mention she has great influence in her family. :) My sister is overseeing a college ministry in San Diego where they are seeing hundreds of students become new believers. My brother is a key leader in his church group and has seen it grow from five to over thirty in just a few years. By God's grace I have seen many students and friends decide to follow Jesus for the first time and am now going into full time ministry.

And how did my Dad do it? He didn't preach any wild sermons at us or demand that we follow Jesus. No, he led by example. He woke up every morning to pray and meet with His Father. He put his family above his work and refused to travel much or work overtime. He dedicated one day a week to God, and family, and rest. When we asked him for advice, his first question for us was if we listened to God about it yet. And then he empowered us. He told me he loved me and was proud of me nearly every day. He asked me for prayer when I was just a little girl. He sent me to go to India and Mexico to have experiences of God in new environments. He loved Jesus and prayed for me every day. And really, I don't think anything else could have been more powerful.

And so, no one here knows my dad. My kids will never know him. Probably only a couple hundred people could ever say they really knew him. But his impact and his influence is immeasurable. And so today is technically Casar Chavez day. But I want to also call it Dr. Ronald Earl Joiner Jr. day. Because I think he deserves it. And boy I wish the world could just stop for a minute and remember him.