For the past couple weeks, I have been thinking about Father’s Day and what it means to be a father and how that is shown in my everyday life…and let me tell you, I have been blessed beyond belief with the father figures in my life. So, I’m dedicating a post to those figures and how it has shown me to love my true and Godly Father even more.
To my Dad, my best friend – Man, where do I even start about this guy. From raising me with a strong head on my shoulders and teaching me to never stop dreaming, he’s been there to lift me up when I fall and has never turned his back on me. My Dad has given me the heart for serving others and going out on a limb to be challenged. He recently started working out again and becoming tough so he could go to New Zealand to play rugby to fulfill a lifetime dream to play rugby internationally. How cool is that! I could go and on about how much he has taught me about cows and living a carefree life and how to cook a killer salmon dinner but I gotta keep going.
To my Step-Dad, Jeff – One thing that is for sure about this guy is that he displays unconditional love. Whether it is to my mom, the kids, his friends, or to his garden, he is always loving on someone or something. Jeff has taught me that a routine is best when it’s something you enjoy full-heartedly, such as playing guitar for him or starting to read the bible consistently for me. Jeff has taught me that not all step-parents are scary but instead supportive and always up for giving away their desserts so you can have extra!
To my Grandpa’s Sonny, Sage, and Bob – My Grandpa Sonny is one of the most competitive people I know and has shown me how to stick with something if you really care about it. He’s over 70 years old and is traveling the country playing in baseball tournaments and throwing mostly strikes. He has taught me to have a determined soul and how to lighten up the mood with jokes too. Grandpa Sage has taught me to work hard but also make time for chocolate sweets and nuts and time to sit and talk with the people who are important to him. He’s always willing to help out on the farm and is fully dedicated to his family. He has taught me that if something knocks you down (like a tree) to always get back up and strive. And finally Grandpa Bob, who has taught me how to never give up when given unfortunate circumstances and come out stronger than ever. Beating cancer and continuing to work at his church while renovating a dream house for my grandma just shows how dedicated he is. Grandpa Bob has also taught me it is okay to be stubborn on a stance and how to argue to get my point across all while giving the best back massage in the world.
As you can see from above, there are a couple key characteristics that are seen throughout. One of those being a supportive and loving person in my life. They would happily (okay, maybe not happily but) would take a bullet for me. All five of the men I’ve talked about have never told me my dreams are unreachable, but instead encouraged me to keep striving for whatever new adventure emerges.
…And that brings me to fact that our God, our Heavenly Father, is all of those characteristics and more wrapped up into one PERFECT Father. Someone who has overwhelming grace and mercy and love and all things good. My God is up there cheering for me when I score in a soccer game, but also there when I slip into temptation to pick me up and say, “I’m not leaving you; come back to me”.
I think one of the best examples of this compassion and persistence is shown in Genesis 3, the notorious fall of man. Even though mankind disobeyed and fell into sin and hid from God immediately, He still came and looked for them. He still put clothes on their backs so they didn’t feel insecure with their nakedness. He supported them, loved on them, and showed them amazing grace. He showed them that He truly is a good good father.
Lately, I have been struggling with shame and guilt of past sins, as well as, struggling to find peace in patience for fundraising. Being able to think about these characteristics of God has really brought some closure to those thoughts. I just keep reminding myself of the amazing mercy and grace and control He has. I am now at ease with my past because I know that it has been wiped clean and I am as white as snow in my Father’s eyes, much like my own Dad’s eyes.
Listen to the song “Good Good Father” by Chris Tomlin if you need a little reminder that yes, He’s a good good father, it’s who He is, and I am loved by Him, it’s who I am. And while I may be searching for answers somewhere else, We’re all searching for answers only You provide. You are perfect in all of Your ways.
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Happy Father’s Day!
