In the United States, each year we celebrate Father’s Day on the third Sunday of June.
For some, this is a hard day. You may not know your dad, or your dad was more absent and distant than present and loving, or maybe your dad was abusive. If this is your experience, my heart grieves for you.
That’s not the way the heavenly Father desires the father-child relationship.
God, the Father, gives us a beautiful insight into fatherhood in the Biblical account of the lost son. Often this passage focuses on the son, who dishonored his father, grabbed his inheritance before it was due, and took off to live life his way. The Prodigal Son.
But don’t miss this truth about the Father’s heart. Check out this verse:
“But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.“
The father never gave up on his son. He was continually watching for the son to return so much so that when he recognized the distant image of his son, the father RAN toward this son who’d been so disrespectful and hateful.
That’s the father heart of God.
It’s been 10 years since I’ve spoken with my Dad. Ten years since I’ve heard his infectious laugh. Ten years since I’ve held his hand or relaxed into his hug.
My Dad met Jesus face to face ten years ago and is now more fully alive than he’s ever been.
But I miss my Dad being here with me.
There’s no substitute in a girl’s life for her Dad. None.
My Dad wasn’t perfect, but he learned these truths from his heavenly Father and taught me:
- Love God with your whole heart and serve him faithfully every day
- Love your spouse unconditionally — that’s how he loved Mom
- Love your family always — no matter what
- Hard work is rewarding
- Take time to play
- Laugh at yourself often
- Treasure time with family
- You can’t be everywhere
- You can’t do everything
- Be authentic
- Be honest — your word is your reputation
- Stuff isn’t important; people are
I’m still learning each of these lessons. I’ll never master them in this life. But, I’m thankful for the example of a loving Dad. Blessed to be his daughter.
Dads, on this Father’s Day, remember you are very important to your children. Don’t ever forget or doubt it.
If your Dad is still alive and present in your life, let him know how much he means to you. If your relationship with your dad was less than desirable, I hope you’ll soak in this passage from the Bible and discover the father heart of your heavenly Father. You have a Father who deeply loves you. He will help you change your legacy.
As for me, I’m treasuring my memories today.
Love you, Dad.
Do you have good memories of your dad? Or is Father’s Day a hard day for you? If you need help, please reach out. I promise to listen without judgment and help you take the next step.
Great encouragement for fathers. It was fun to see Uncle Rodney in your picture. He was a great father to you and uncle us. I am so thankful for our two fathers who were brothers modeling love for us. Bless you as you remember your tremendous father. Be well cuz!
Imagine what a difference it would make to our communities, our country, and the world if we had more dads like yours was. I am thankful for both my dad and my step dad. One gave me life. The other gave me a home. I am also thankful to have a husband that takes his responsibility as a father very seriously. Happy Father’s Day!