Honoring THE FATHER this Father’s Day…

Around this time every year, my children begin to ask what their father would like for Father’s Day. My answer is always the same, “He doesn’t need anything, he would just like to share the day with you!” Of course, they aren’t satisfied with that answer and usually begin the search for a unique gift. But honestly, what father wouldn’t like to spend the day with their children, or even to just receive a phone call from that far-away child.

Our heavenly Father is no different! He would be delighted to hear from his children and would rejoice in time spent in worship to start the day. God wants to be in a relationship with us, one that is heartfelt and filled with open communication. He wants us to share our feelings with him. Happy or sad, good news or bad, he is touched by our innermost thoughts and feelings. This sharing allows us to build a strong, faithful relationship with God, he wants to be part of our lives.

Just like our earthly fathers, we need to remember that God our heavenly Father is real and present in our lives. We need to consciously pursue our relationship with Him, have a conversation each day – he looks forward to it! Let God be your companion and friend – share your life with him.

Back to the idea of a gift for our earthly fathers, Father’s Day isn’t really about the gifts we can give the dad’s in our lives. The day is about recognizing the gift of caring that fathers express when they help put food on the table, teach their child to ride a bike, coach a baseball team, smile at a graduation, give their daughter’s hand in marriage, giggle with a grandchild, and most importantly, act as a channel for God’s love to flow through them into the lives of their children.

For a father, Father’s Day isn’t so much about taking the accolades of a job well done (even though they may be well deserved!), but about giving thanks for the opportunity to give. And remember, the greatest gift that we give our children is the actual expression of our love. It isn’t enough to feel love for them inside ourselves: we need to express that love. Take a moment each day and give your child the kind of hug that can leave no doubt that you really treasure their presence in your life.

Of course, the greatest Dad of all is the father of all life. So, let’s take some time this Father’s Day to remember our Heavenly Father. Let’s share our innermost hopes, dreams, challenges, temporary setbacks, and victories. And once we have had our say, let’s listen carefully: For God, the Father of us all, may have a gift in store for us, the gift of awareness of His infinite loving presence in our lives.