Honoring Fathers: A Heartfelt Father’s Day Reflection Rooted in Faith

Why Does Father’s Day Feel Overlooked?

Have you ever noticed that Father’s Day seems to get less attention than other holidays? Mother’s Day often comes with a flourish, brunches, flowers, and heartfelt cards, but when Father’s Day rolls around, the fanfare sometimes feels a little lacking.

This really stood out to me one year when we attended an incredible Mother’s Day brunch at our local country club. It was an over-the-top celebration, balloon animals for the kids, roses for the ladies, and a buffet that felt like a feast fit for royalty. Naturally, I looked forward to the Father’s Day event, hoping for something equally special.

When the email finally came, I was disappointed. No big brunch or festivities, just a “Father’s Day To-Go BBQ.” What?! Grab a meal and go? Or eat in the club if you wanted. It felt less like a celebration and more like an afterthought.

But it got me thinking…

A Tribute to My Earthly Father

Despite the minimal celebration, Father’s Day is worth honoring because fathers themselves are worth celebrating. That’s especially true of my own dad.

He Was My Protector

When I was little and a storm rolled in, my dad would come home from work, load us into the car, and drive us around. At the time, we lived near a large river, and I now realize he was probably concerned about flooding. But all I knew was that we were together, eating out, and not stuck inside worrying. I never felt afraid, he made sure of that.

He Was Our Provider

Dad worked away from home during the week when I was young, doing what he had to do to make a better living for our family. I never felt like we lacked anything. My sister and I thought we lived like princesses on a hill. He made our lives full of adventures, trail bikes, volleyball in the front yard, and camping trips. Later in life, he even built me two homes. That’s the kind of man he was.

He Was Forgiving

Even when I got in trouble (and I did), he never stayed mad for long. My mom would say, “Just wait until your father gets home,” and I’d worry, not because I feared punishment, but because I didn’t want to disappoint him. That was the kind of respect he inspired.

Reflecting on the Love of Our Heavenly Father

As much as I love and admire my earthly dad, there’s another Father who deserves just as much, if not more, recognition.

God, our Heavenly Father, is the ultimate protector, provider, and forgiver.

Psalm 103:13 (NIV)
¹³ As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him;

He walks with us through every storm, offering comfort, guidance, and shelter.

Psalms 36:7 (NIV)
⁷ How priceless is your unfailing love, O God! People take refuge in the shadow of your wings.

His love is not only compassionate, it’s lavish, overwhelming, and unconditional.

1 John 3:1 (NIV)
3 See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him.

I am so grateful that I have been blessed with a wonderful earthly father. Today, and every day, I want to honor him.

For Those Missing Their Fathers This Father’s Day

I know that not everyone reading this was blessed with a father like mine. Some of you may be grieving the loss of your father, or perhaps you grew up without that nurturing presence. Please know this, Father’s Day is still a day you can celebrate.

Why? Because your Heavenly Father will never leave you, forsake you, or stop loving you. He knows you deeply and is always by your side.

Some of you weren’t as blessed to have a father like mine, or you might have already lost your father. You too can still celebrate Father’s Day since your Heavenly Father will never leave you, and will be by your side forever.

Psalms 139:1-2 (NIV)
¹ You have searched me, Lord, and you know me. ² You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. 

Psalms 139:9-10 (NIV)
⁹ If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, ¹⁰ even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast. 

Whether you have a father to honor today or not, take comfort in the arms of the One who has always known you and loved you.

To GOD Goes The Glory!

Have A Blessed Day

Let’s End With a Prayer

Heavenly Father,
Thank You for the gift of fathers, those who have shaped us with their strength, their wisdom, and their love. I’m especially grateful for my earthly father and all he has done for me. I ask that You bless every father today with peace, joy, and a renewed sense of purpose.
For those who are hurting, grieving, or feeling forgotten on this day, I pray they feel Your loving arms around them. Remind them that they are never alone because You are a Father who never leaves.
Help us to honor not just the men in our lives, but to give You the ultimate praise as our perfect and eternal Father.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.