HAPPY FATHER’S DAY to all of our Dads. Whether they are Dads of the flesh, or Dads of the heart, or a Big Brother who is also a Dad, or an Uncle who is also a Dad, or a Mom who is also the Dad, or any other relationship where you have stepped up to be the Dad in a young person’s life. May this be a great day for you, and may you be celebrated, and honored for what you do. THANK YOU.
Many will be celebrating this day with their Dad, or the one who stands in for the Dad. Some of us who’s Dad has passed on will remember him as most probably the greatest male influence in their lives. I know it was that way for me. He made me believe I could do anything I decided to do. And while that certainly was not always true, that belief has served me well in life. He taught me to be kind to those in my life. He taught me to not judge others. He taught me not to be prejudiced, but rather to accept others for who they are. I never went anywhere with him that people were not always delighted to see him. He loved everybody. He was my role model.
Of course I know that not everyone had a Dad like that, but every one has a Heavenly Father like that, and so much more, if they choose to open their lives to Him through Christ Jesus, His Son. As we read in 2 Corinthians 18, God said, “I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters.” And as we read 2 John 3, that says, “Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father, and from Jesus Christ , the Father’s Son will be with us in truth and love”, we see what He has for every one of His children.
This is what we see an example of as we read in Luke 15:11-32 of the son who left his home, squandered his inheritance, and shamed his family. We see a Dad who gave him grace, who gave him mercy, and gave him unconditional love when he wanted to come home. This is not to say there are no consequences when we make mistakes, but it is to say grace, mercy and peace is always in our home.
May we be there for our children in body, soul and in spirit. May they see by our actions that they are loved, and respected. May they come to understand grace, and mercy. We can expect to receive the same returned to us from them, and to the rest of the family, as we model these to them. It may not come quickly, or it may. Let us just put them in play, and leave the results to our Heavenly Abba Father.
Live in and be blessed in our Father’s grace, and His mercy, and His peace, and His truth, and His love, through Christ Jesus, and His Holy Spirit, God’s Beloveds. Let us bless others with these gifts from Him.
Poppa B.