Fathers

My daughter was at the card isle in the store the other day and struck up a conversation with a lady searching for a Father’s day card.  After looking through many cards, she walked away in disgust. Her parting comment, “I wish they made cards for those of us who don’t have great relationships with our dads.

As a young child, I thought my dad was bigger than life, a super hero. As I grew and got older, I realized  he was human. I don’t think he was happy with how his life turned out. He kept all of his feelings and emotions bottled up inside of him which is probably why he died at the young age of 50.  He was never the kind of dad who told me he loved me or that he was proud of me. He wasn’t perfect, but I loved him and miss him.

Our earthly father’s often disappoint us. Many times, they don’t give us the emotional support we expect from a dad. Isn’t it wonderful to know that we have a heavenly father who is always available, always supportive and who loves us more than we could ever begin to understand.

1 John 3:1, “See what great love the father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God.” As our father, God is loving, kind, compassionate, forgiving and always available, anytime and anywhere. When I am really troubled or feeling weak and alone, I remember this verse, “He will cover you with his feathers and under his wings you will find refuge.”  Psalm 91:4

The image of a loving father wrapping his arms around me and providing peace and protection carries me through any of the storms of life.  How truly blessed we are to have such a loving father.