Reflections on Father’s Day

I couldn’t help but think of several friends on Father’s Day last Sunday; friends who have experienced the loss of their own fathers in the last few years.  I am sure that it was a bitter-sweet day for them.  They must have been thankful for the years they had with their dads, thankful for the memories they made with them, thankful for the way their husbands father their own children.  But I am sure that they were sad to not be able to call their fathers on this day, or any other, to say thank you directly, and tell them how much they mean to them.

My own father has been in declining health the last few years.  A heart attack, several bypass surgeries, Parkinson’s disease, diabetes, and age have taken their toll on this man who once seemed invincible to me. His formerly strong hands now shake, his walk is unsteady, his mind not what it used to be.  Yet I am grateful that he is still around for me to hug, talk to, and continue to make memories with.  I don’t know how much longer his 78 year-old-body can hold out, but as long as he is here, I am thankful.

It is a comfort to me to know that our Heavenly Father never tires, never weakens, never falters.  He is the same today as He was yesterday, and will be a thousand years from now.  Our earthly fathers should be a glimpse of our Heavenly Father – loving, supportive, wise, provisional.  But they are flawed, and time takes its toll on them, unlike our Heavenly Father.  James 1:17 says ”Whatever is good and perfect comes to us from God above, who created all heaven’s lights. Unlike them, He never changes.”  He will always be loving, supportive, wise, provisional, and so much more.  

My heart goes out to those who have lost their dad.  I know that loss is felt everyday.  I dread the day that my own dad is gone.  But I find comfort in knowing that when he goes, my dad will be made whole again, will never again falter or stumble.  And that when my time comes, we will experience the wonderful love of our Heavenly Father together, for all of eternity.

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