Father's Day 2022
Maybe you have a wonderful dad and wonderful memories. Maybe you have lost your Dad and are hurting. Maybe you have no good memories. Maybe your dad was absent. Maybe your dad scarred you. Maybe you are trying to be a good dad but feel like you fail. Maybe you failed as a dad and carry shame and guilt. Maybe you are a single mom that acts as the father. Maybe you are the acting father. No matter where you fit in, God has immeasurable grace and healing for us. He wants us to come to Him because He is our Heavenly Father.
Many of my memories of my Dad include water - mainly salt water! We spent many weekends on a sail boat named after my mom and I - Sea Dawn. It was so peaceful - not many boats out then. There were times we got into unchartered territory at times but Dad always knew what to do to keep us safe.
Just like being on the water, God calls us into unchartered territory. Sometimes it is not about going into unknown places but about obeying Him and having unknown outcomes. Unknown outcomes can come from giving up our treasures, forgiving someone, giving up our idols, giving up our false securities or handing our self or a loved one over to God. Many fathers are called to provide for their families financially, spiritually, physically and emotionally. They are trying to stand strong for their family as they try to find their own way.
Genesis 12: 1-3, "The Lord had said to Abram, 'Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you. I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.'” There is one detail left out for Abraham - where was he going? Can you imagine how he felt being called and not knowing where God was calling him to go? Instead of living in fear, Abraham clung to God, trusting that God knew what was best for him. We have the same choice - fear or cling to the One Who knows what is best!
No matter what our worldly "father's day" looks like, we are not alone for our Father is with us. John 16: 32, "...Yet I am not alone, for my Father is with me."