Fathers…

“Honor your father and mother,” which is the first commandment with promise: “that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth.” And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord.” Ephesians 6:2-4 NKJV

One of my first memories of my father is standing in the yard with him as he examined a blooming hydrangea. I have several planted in my yard in his memory. Like my mother, Daddy enjoyed working in the yard.

He wasn’t the most talkative Dad but the bits of wisdom he offered certainly stuck with me. He wasn’t one to preach, but rather taught by example. He was loyal to his friends and never shied away from having a good time. Daddy believed in the merits of hard work and giving everything you did your very best.

Daddy was also a humble man. I didn’t learn about many of his greatest accomplishments until I read his obituary. We often take for granted the people closest to us and the ones we love the most. I didn’t get to tell Daddy I loved him that one last time as planned. He slipped away just hours before I could make it home.

  Thankfully, our eternal Father never leaves us.

God is always present, yet I believe even He appreciates an “I love you” or a “thank you“ from us as flawed as we are.

Our Heavenly Father wants us to believe that He is here for us, provides for us and that we can trust Him even as the people in our lives disappoint.

If your earthly father was less than stellar, God is more than able to fill that gap.

Trust God.

Like a good parent, God doesn’t always give us what we want, but definitely provides what we need. If only we would seek Him and run toward Him with childlike faith could we begin to grasp just how much our God cares for us!

And should you happen to have a father still here on earth, love him. Enjoy Him. Appreciate him.

HAPPY FATHER’S DAY  to all those fathers, uncles, teachers, coaches and other great men who tackle the role of “Dad.” Bless you who are strong when we are weak, provide wisdom and shelter us from life’s storms. Thank you who pulled us up when we fell down.

In memory of fathers who served and sacrificed, held thankless jobs and simply did the best they could…

“I will be a Father to you, And you shall be My sons and daughters, Says the LORD Almighty.” 2 Corinthians 6:18 NKJV