Celebrating Our Heavenly Father on Father’s Day

It is Father’s Day, and I couldn’t let this day go by without giving a loving shoutout to my dad.

My dad starts every day by reading my blog, and I’ll be honest, that always brings a tear to my eye. Now, do I believe my dad is sitting around thinking about women’s fashion, the latest sandal trend, or what jeans are most flattering after 50? Absolutely not. Women’s fashion is probably the last thing on his mind, right after how to fold a fitted sheet and why women need more than one black purse. Lol!

So, why does he go to my blog first thing every morning? There are a few reasons.

My Dad Reads My Blog Because He Loves Me

First, he loves me.

I am his firstborn child, so I know that holds a special place in his heart. Sorry, sister and brother, but facts are facts. We had five whole years to form that special bond before my little pesky sister came along and started trying to steal the show.

My dad doesn’t read my blog because he is interested in my outfit details. He reads it because he is interested in me. He wants to see what I’m doing, hear what is going on in my life, and feel connected to my day.

That kind of love is a blessing I do not take for granted.

My Dad Reads My Blog Because We Live Apart

The second reason my dad reads my blog is that we don’t live close to each other.

There is a 3 1/2 hour car ride between us, so he doesn’t get to be part of my everyday life in person. He can’t just pop in for coffee, stop by to see what Joe is up to, or ask what Lucy has gotten into this time.

But the blog gives him a little window into my world.

He gets to see my face, hear my stories, and keep up with the small pieces of my life that might otherwise get missed. And that makes him happy.

Honestly, it makes me happy too.

My Dad Reads My Blog Because He Is Proud Of Me

The third reason is simple. He is proud of me.

He was proud of me long before I ever started blogging. He is proud of all his children, and his pride doesn’t depend on pageviews, outfits, sales, or anything else the world uses to measure success.

I don’t think the way I dress has anything to do with his pride level. He is proud because I am his daughter.

There are plenty more reasons my dad visits my blog every morning, but those three are enough for me.

Father’s Day Reminds Me Of My Heavenly Father

When Father’s Day rolls around, I always think of my dad, my earthly father. But I also think about my Heavenly Father.

He is the Father of all.

And just like my earthly father checks in on me every day, I believe my Heavenly Father keeps a close eye on me, too. No, I don’t picture Him sitting in Heaven reading my blog with a cup of coffee, although that would be something. But I do believe He sees me as I go about my day.

He sees the good moments, the hard moments, the moments when I get it right, and the moments when I need a little extra grace.

And thank goodness for that extra grace, because some days I need it before breakfast.

Our Heavenly Father Has Always Known Us

Like my earthly father, my Heavenly Father loves me. I hold a special place in His heart.

I wasn’t His firstborn child, but I still have a special bond with Him. And that bond started long before I was ever born.

Jeremiah 1:5 (NIV)
⁵ “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.”

That verse always stops me in my tracks.

Before I was formed, God knew me. Before I had a name, a personality, a family, a home, or a blog, He knew me. He knew every strength, every weakness, every stubborn streak, and every hair on my head.

And yes, He even knows the number of hairs that used to be on my head before hot flashes, hair color, and life after 50 started having opinions.

Prayer Keeps Us Connected To Our Heavenly Father

Like my earthly father, my Heavenly Father and I do not live in the same place. I am here on earth, and He is in Heaven.

But God created a way for us to stay connected. Prayer.

And the wonderful thing about prayer is that God is available 24/7. I never have to worry that I am bothering Him. I never have to make an appointment. I never have to wonder if He is too busy.

He wants me to talk to Him. He wants me to come to Him with the big things, the little things, the worries, the praises, and even the things I don’t know how to put into words.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NIV)
¹⁶ Rejoice always, ¹⁷ pray continually, ¹⁸ give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

Prayer is how we stay close to the Father. It is how we hand over the things that are too heavy for us to carry. It is how we say, “Lord, I need You,” and it is also how we say, “Lord, thank You.”

Our Heavenly Father’s Love Endures Forever

Lastly, my Heavenly Father’s love endures forever.

If you need proof of that, read Psalm 136. Over and over again, the chapter reminds us of this truth:

Psalms 136:1 (NIV)
¹ Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good.
His love endures forever.

And here’s what I love about Psalm 136. That phrase, “His love endures forever,” is repeated 26 times in the chapter. It appears once in every single verse.

Don’t you think God was trying to make sure we didn’t miss the message?

It reminds me of when my mom used to repeat herself because apparently I didn’t “hear” her the first three times. But the Lord isn’t repeating Himself because He forgot He already said it. He repeats it because we are the ones who forget.

His love does not wear out.

His love does not depend on our mood, our performance, our past, or our ability to have everything together. His love is steady. It is faithful. It is forever.

And that is something worth celebrating on Father’s Day.

A Tender Note For Father’s Day

Today, I am grateful to have been blessed with a wonderful earthly father.

But I also know Father’s Day can be hard for many people. Some of you may have lost your father. Some may have had a father who was absent, distant, or difficult. Some may be grieving a relationship that never looked the way you hoped it would.

If that is you, I want you to hear this clearly. You are deeply loved by your Heavenly Father.

He sees you. He knows you. He wants to be near you. And His love is not fragile, distant, or conditional.

Today, we honor the earthly fathers who have loved us well, and we celebrate the Heavenly Father who loves us perfectly.

To GOD Goes The Glory!

Have A Blessed Day!

Let’s End With A Prayer

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for loving us with a love that never fails. Thank You for knowing us before we were born and for staying near to us through every season of life.

Today, I thank You for my earthly father and the blessing he has been in my life. I thank You for his love, his pride, his support, and the way he continues to show up for me, even in something as simple as reading my blog each morning.

Lord, I also pray for those who may find Father’s Day difficult. Wrap Your arms around anyone who is grieving, lonely, disappointed, or carrying hurt from the past. Remind them that You are a good Father, a faithful Father, and a Father who never leaves.

Help us come to You in prayer, trust Your love, and give thanks for Your goodness.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.