Fathers Are All Different, But You Still Have A Reason To Celebrate

Happy Father’s Day! I did not intend to write about Father’s Day today for several reasons. For one, I have written about it several times and thought I would write about something different today. Secondly, I realize that while my father is wonderful, still alive and vibrant, that is not the case for many people.

There are many different types of fathers: single fathers, step-fathers, adoptive fathers, or men who become like fathers. There are also abusive fathers, dead-beat fathers, absent or neglecting fathers, and dictator-type fathers. And since many of you who read this blog are over 50, you might have already lost your father, so today can be a hard day to celebrate.

I was thinking about fathers and the role they play in the family. Have you ever noticed after a ballgame, etc., people will give a shout-out to their mom? For some reason, I think fathers don’t get the credit they deserve.

When I was young, my dad worked away from home during the week and only came home on the weekends. I am sure he was tired from working, and I doubt that it was a lot of fun being away from the family throughout the week. I never once thought of him as distant; instead, I thought of him as providing for the family.

There are times when the father is the disciplinarian of the family. They are the ones who dole out punishments, while the moms are the ones who kiss boo-boos. I know I would rather have been snuggled and hugged rather than grounded or spanked. But both of these roles are needed in our lives. Children who aren’t disciplined don’t grow up to be happy adults. We all need rules and structure; otherwise, our lives will be chaotic.

I know this might be hard to believe, but I sometimes misbehaved when my father worked away from home. I guess my mother grew tired of trying to take care of the house, bills, etc., so she would threaten to tell my father what I had done when he got home. That was the ticket to get me to behave because I was a “daddy’s girl,” and I didn’t want him to be disappointed in me.

My father was, and still is, the best! And, even if your earthly father wasn’t the man that you wanted in your life, you still have an awesome heavenly Father. He is loving, He is a wonderful provider, He is a disciplinarian, and He will always be there for you and never forsake you.

Romans 5:8

⁸ But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Matthew 6:31-33

³¹ So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ ³² For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. ³³ But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

Hebrews 12:10-11

¹⁰ They disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness. ¹¹ No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.

Psalm 136:26

²⁶ Give thanks to the God of heaven. His love endures forever.

Every one of us has a reason to celebrate today. Give thanks today to your heavenly Father! And, if you can, tell your earthly father that you love him and appreciate what he did for you.

To God Goes The Glory!

Have A Blessed Day!