Celebrating Fathers

Happy Father’s Day to all the great dads! You know who you are – biological or adoptive, father-figure, or father-mentor, you are truly appreciated and loved.

I especially want to give a shout out to all the fathers who, regardless of their circumstances, step up to the plate and do their part in parenting. I am proud you for making all the efforts to remain relevant in your children’s lives. You are making a lasting impression on your children when you notice them and give time to them.

Thanks for the times you were eye-to-eye with your children in conversations or playing a game with them or showing up to cheer them on at their sports games. Thank you for insisting that the family prays in thanksgiving to God at mealtime. Thank you for working hard and showing respect to the mother of your children. They notice and they will want to be just like you.

You deserve a tribute if you have been and are a good, good father or father figure!

Father’s Day brings me precious memories and so much gratitude for my own sweet daddy, my wonderful father-in-law and my precious husband who are celebrating this Father’s Day together in heaven. They’ve certainly one-upped us on a grand celebration in heaven with our Heavenly Father.

And Happy Father’s Day to my two wonderful sons: Ryan Wuerch and Larry Wallace, who lead their families by God’s example to them – and who did their parts (bless their hearts!) in blessing me with six wonderful grandchildren and all those they coach and mentor!

Dads, in my opinion, you are the most powerful force in the lives of your children. Thank you for not being passive. Thank you for understanding and taking responsibility for your power. Thank you for being living examples of our Heavenly Father’s love. Thank you for showing your children and others what respect, honor, and integrity look like.

Maybe you don’t even know your earthly father, or if you do, he may not have been very present in your life. Maybe, like me, your dad was with you for just a short period of time. Maybe, like mine, your dad wasn’t there to walk you down the aisle on your wedding day. Maybe your dad is still here, and your relationship is and always has been strained.

Whether we had an active, present and loving father as our role model…..or, we didn’t, we desire a good, good Father and we have one in our Heavenly Father.

We all find our identity in the love of our Heavenly Papa who is gracious and loves us so much that He always welcomes us with open arms. He welcomes us into His presence. He even has conversations with us through his Word and even in our intimate times with Him.

God loved us before we loved Him. Our Father sent His Son, Jesus, because He wants all of us to know that He loves us all exactly like He loves His Son.

When we finally see God, our Father, as He really is, we find out that we’re not “dirty little sinners” to Him. We are His beloved sons and daughters, and we show up as obedient, faith-filled children, and we make Him a proud Papa! Happy Father’s Day!