I have much to write about regarding Fathers and the goodness I have witnessed and been blessed with in my life.
This is my second Father's Day with my precious Dad with Jesus in Heaven. Let me tell you about my incredible Dad. He was an elite example of a godly Father. He often shared that his disciplinary wisdom was likened to Ephesians 6:4, (ESV)
"Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger,
but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord."
My dad believed so much in loving us and not provoking us to rebel against his teachings. I can honestly say he and I continued to enjoy a wonderful father-and-daughter relationship until the end of his life. The love of God flowed from him in ways that I wish I could articulate with clarity and distinction. He was the epitome of the love of God. I benefited from that in so many ways. I am and will forever be grateful to him and to God for my dad and the way he lived his life. He is no longer walking this earth, but I am beyond honored to be his daughter. He stays in my heart, memories, and how I choose to live my life every day.
Further still, I married a similar blueprint to my dad in many ways. My husband is an amazing father to our two precious sons. I can say that his direction and instruction as a father is founded in the heartbeat and wisdom of God. Our sons have received from his love, as well as, observed a living example of what a godly man, husband, and father is and should be. They are blessed to have grown up witnessing my husband live before them - Proverbs 4:11 (NIV)
"I will guide you in the way of wisdom and I will lead you in upright paths. When you walk, your steps will not be hampered, and when you run, you will not stumble."
Last, but absolutely not least, is Father God. Recognizing our Heavenly Father is the most important tribute for this day. His love is beyond comprehension, yet we are enveloped by it daily. He knows His instruction and plans for us when we cannot find our way. As we seek Him, He reveals the next steps. He provides protection and helps us clearly see where He is leading us by His Holy Spirit for the glory of Jesus. Even more astounding is all that we are completely unaware of - still, He is there with us. Our Father, who art in Heaven, HALLOWED be thy name ... yes, we should know this. Let us humbly honor our Father God today ...and every day.
So many of us are blessed with wonderful Fathers. Our Dads, grandpas, uncles, brothers, cousins, and friends have made significant contributions to our lives. We can all be thankful for these respectable men and role models that have imparted a lasting difference in our hearts, paths, and choices ... in our very lives. Specifically, today - we honor each one and say a heartfelt "Thank You!"
If today you are in a place where your Father has passed, you never knew the love of a Father, or you don't know The Father's love - I am here to share that Father God loves you so. He always has, does, and forever will love you. He is your Father here and for eternity. Father God loves you more than you can begin to understand. He created you, He knows the plans He has for you, and He wants to walk and talk with you every single day of your life. Know this - Father God loves you so much that He gave His only Son, Jesus, to die for your sins and rise again to be your Savior. If you will simply call on God, ask Jesus to forgive you, and invite Him in your life to be your Savior and Lord, He will. You will know His love and so much more, friend.
Enjoy this special moment today to celebrate or remember the outstanding Father who extended his love to you.
May we all find that we take the time to honor our dads and our Heavenly Father - each and every day!
Have a blessed Father's Day ...Jesus loves you so!
Really great post!
Sweet words.