A FATHER'S LOVE

father |ˈfäT͟Hər| noun 1 a man in relation to his natural child or children. • a man who gives care and protection to someone or something: She loved her father.

I want to wish a very Happy Father’s Day to all of the dads out there!

This Father’s Day marks the first Father’s Day without my dad.

He passed away several months ago after his health slowly declined, and I still treasure the moments I was able to spend with him in his last days.

It’s crazy how often I think of him and how I miss him being just a phone call away. There is something so special about a father’s role in a child’s life—and we can so easily take that role for granted.

Since my father passed away, I have become so much more present. Things that were once common to me, I don’t overlook so much. My father loved his ranch house and his phone was full of pictures of nature. Little things that most of us simply don’t notice, like trees, tall grass, and birds flying through the sky, are now things that remind me of my dad.

I’ve also started reading the Bible differently, becoming aware of how often God refers to Himself as our Heavenly Father.

“And I will be a Father to you, and you shall be sons and daughters to Me.” 2 Corinthians 6:18

When we see God as our Father, rather than some distant unknown being far, far away, we begin to make our requests known to Him—because we know that He cares about all of our needs.

“Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your Heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to Him than they are?” Matthew 6:26

When you need something from your earthly dad, you ask him for it. Especially as young children, we make it very clear when we want something! This is the way God wants us to approach Him with our fears, wants, and needs: boldly and confidently.

“So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive His mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.” Hebrews 4:16

I am so grateful for the time I had with my earthly Father and for a relationship with a Heavenly Father who will never leave me. I am so grateful my children have such a good example of an earthly dad who portrays the love of God so well. When Field comes home from work each night, he unplugs from being a CEO and directs all of his attention toward our family. During these hot summer months, he will take the kids swimming each night after he gets home and they will wait for him in their swimming suits, expectantly, until he walks through the door.

The time they spend with him is so special. It doesn’t have to be all day—with dads, there is something about quality over quantity when spending time with their kids. The kids just have to know that they have access to him when they need it most.

In writing this, I am also aware of the many, many people who did not have a good relationship with their earthly father (or maybe didn’t have a relationship at all). I love how God provides coaches, mentors, and father figures to those who don’t have a biological father around.

“Father to the fatherless, defender of widows—this is God, whose dwelling is holy. God places the lonely in families; He sets the prisoners free and gives them joy.” Psalm 68:5-6

For those who feel a loss today, I pray you will be encouraged and comforted by this truth: You have a Father who loves you more than you will ever know. He looks out for you. He provides for you. And He smiles over who you are and who you are becoming. There is not a moment of your life that He has missed. There is not a tear that has fallen on your face that He has not kept. He will never leave you or forsake you. You are His, Beloved. Forever.   

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort.” 2 Corinthians 1:3

So, give thanks for fathers today. Whether they are earthly, biological, or heavenly.

Happy Father’s Day, today and every day!

XO-

Sabrina