Happy Father’s Day!
Now, I get that I may not have a huge male audience, but chances are, if you’re reading this, then you either are a dad, have a dad, or know someone who is a dad.
I have been fortunate enough to have some great dads in my life.
The first love of my life – my very own dad – has always been there for me and my siblings. No matter how much we screwed up (which was a LOT), he was there. When I was a little girl, I wanted to marry him. He was the most important person in the world to me. We would often go on daddy-daughter dates to Darryl’s, where I would order a big bowl of broccoli and cheese soup and a side of pickles, as we sat in the rustic elevator-turned-booth. He taught me how to drive, and how to shoot a gun. I got my first love of photography from him. He always made sure (and still does) to tell me how beautiful I am. I never once questioned his love for me.
The father he was to me as a child, paved the way and helped shape my mind and heart to know the kind of man I wanted to have in my life, to be the father of my children…
Oh Mountain Man…I have been truly blessed with this man. God knew exactly the type of man I needed to be my partner in this life. A godly man, who loves the Lord and leads his family with strong convictions and gentle hands. A man after God’s own heart. Always putting me and the kids first. No matter what kind of a day he’s had, he still finds the energy to wrestle with the kids on the living room floor, and have tickle wars and bearded-monster chases through the house. He loves unconditionally, teaches our children, and loves them so well. Like a switch, he can go from rough and tumble with the boys, to sweet and gentle with Little Miss T. He encourages them and tells them they can do anything, and he makes sure he tells our girl just how beautiful she is.
He makes my heart swoon, and we never doubt his love for us. Oh, and he has the patience of a saint.
My list for incredible dads is long. For that, I am so thankful.
But there is one Father who is unmatched.
He is the one who created me…and you. All of us. You can call upon Him anytime day or night. He’s always ready and waiting. His grace is never-ending, his mercy is overflowing, and His love is unconditional. No matter how badly we screw up. Do you hear me on this? There is NOTHING you can do that will make God love you any less. When we screw up, all we have to do is call out to Him. Repent, ask for forgiveness, and when you place your faith and trust in Him…oh boy. Step back and watch Him move in ways you’ve never imagined.
“Every good and perfect gift comes from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” James 1:17
He doesn’t change. Ever. He’s the same yesterday, today and forever. No matter what kind of life you have here on Earth…whether you have an earthly father or not. I hope you know that here is a Father in heaven who loves you more than you could ever imagine. He created you.
“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.” Psalm 139:13
The same Father who created you and me, loved us all so much, that He sacrificed His one and only Son. Stop and think about that for a minute. As a parent, I cannot even begin to fathom sacrificing ANY of my children…but God. Oh God… He sacrificed his ONLY Son, so that we might all be saved. Christ took our sins upon the cross that day, so that all we have to do is simply believe in Him, and we will be saved. That’s it. Isn’t that amazing?!
So Happy Father’s Day to all of you amazing dads. And remember, that if your earthy father ever let you down, your heavenly Father never will. THAT is worth celebrating every day!
