What comes up for you as you think about Father’s Day? Do you think about your relationship with your dad? As a father yourself, do you reflect on your relationships with your kids? As a wife, do you think about the kind of dad your kids have? Do you have someone you consider a spiritual father? Do you wonder who your biological father is, if you haven’t met him?
There is much reason to celebrate on Father’s Day, and it’s important to acknowledge the pain that may come along with this holiday. No matter what comes up for us as we approach Father’s Day, whether gratitude or hurt, affection or frustration, it can be a day we choose to remember who our Heavenly Father is to us.
I have a good friend who I watched dance with her dad on her wedding day a few years back. She has a sweet relationship with him. He is kind, tender and wise, she trusts him and she knows how deeply loved she is by him. This kind of father-daughter relationship reminds me that our Heavenly Father is kind and tender, that He deeply loves each of us.
Another young woman was hurt deeply by her dad. She tears up when she shares how she’s healed when other men listen to her, and truly listen. She is learning that she’s deeply loved. Her story reminds me that our Heavenly Father is Healer and Redeemer.
On this Father’s Day, whether it stirs up gratitude or hurt, affection or frustration, my prayer is that we choose to remember who our Heavenly Father is to us.