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.
I love pjs! I have a variety of styles and even have satin short sleeve long pants pjs. I love lounging in them once in a while. Coffee in hand.
This is a beautiful tribute to our Heavenly Father and also to our earthly father, even with their flaws. Thank you 🙏
💕 Wonderful post; thank you so much for this.
I thank God He is my Father
You always have wonderful messages in your posts! Thanks for sharing your gift of writing with us!
I was blessed with a good father. I’m grateful for all he did for me and my siblings. Fathers are very important for children as they’re growing up. Beautiful prayer to our Heavenly Father.
I had a great Dad. I lost him in 2017. Still miss him today he had a great sense of humor. I remember when he taught me how to drive a standard shift car. Had a lot of patience. Thank you for sharing this wonderful post.
Beautiful.
❤️❤️❤️ I love your Sunday posts! Great reminders & so very thoughtful. So thankful for my Earthly Father, my Husband, but most of all my Eternal Father!
Missing my sweet Dad today but celebrating my husband and son who are both great fathers. And grateful for our Heavenly Father.
Happy Fathers Day To all The Dads! Love All the Dad in your life! Thank You Tania for this message and all you do and share!
Love this, Tania! My dad has been gone now for 4 years and I still miss him every day, but I know I can count on my Heavenly Father whenever I need him.
Well said! Thanks for your uplifting post. Amen
Thank you for the reminder of the importance of our Heavenly Father and that we are always loved and cared for by him no matter the circumstances of this earth. Happy Father’s Day to all the men in our lives.
Well said. Happy Father’s Day to our men!
Love your posts and try on hauls.
Lovely.
Thanks again for your wonderful prayer
Well said… thank you.
Thank you for this beautiful post!
Wonderful Father’s Day message! At 86 years old, Daddy still gets around pretty well and is bringing my mom over for “lunch from our grill” today. I thank my Heavenly Father for both of them! 🙏🏻💕
That sounds like a wonderful Father’s Day!
❤️
Happy Father’s Day to your husband Joe and your father Tania.
Our heavenly father is definitely the ultimate Father! Thank you for reminding us who is the ultimate in Father figures! Have a blessed Sunday and Father’s day!
Amen
Beautiful post, Tania. Thank you.
I had an earthly father that demonstrated the heavenly Father’s love. So blessed
You were very blessed!
Thank you, Lovely thoughts on fathers and Heavenly Father.
Wonderful post!❤️ Thank you!
I have been blessed with a wonderful earthly dad like you. My son is struggling because he doesn’t have a dad he can have a relationship with so I’m so grateful to God that He is a wonderful Heavenly father and my dad is a father figure to him. Happy Father’s Day Joe!!!!
Love this! I was blessed to have a father like yours❣️
Thank you for today’s post. Very meaningful.
I believe it is one of my favorites!
I’m glad you enjoyed today’s post!
Well said.
I am sure I am not the only one who didn’t/still don’t have a good, present dad. I did however have several wonderful other father figures especially my grandaddy. Tania I am ashamed I never thought to thank my Heavenly Father on this day. Thank you for the reminder & beautiful prayer! 🛐
I wanted to show how all of us could choose to celebrate this day, even when our earthly fathers fell short of the mark.
This is a fantastic post, especially the part about us all sharing our Heavenly Father’s love and protection. Sharing!