I always feel a little nostalgic and depressed on Father’s Day. My Father is still around, but my children’s Father has always been gone that time of year. They’ve never had the joy of celebrating the day with him. In fact most holidays and special occasions of their lives he has missed. His job, travels and other business dealings are his top priority. At the typical church service on Father’s Day where there are videos and sermons and recognitions and luncheons together we feel a little awkward and out of place. I know I am not the only divorced or single mother that feels the emptiness of Father’s Day.
Others may not have the best relationship or memories with their earthly Father either. Perhaps he was critical, demanding, cold, cruel, absent or just not all that affectionate. Maybe he left you hurt, empty or feeling like you could never be good enough.
I am reminded this year, the day after Father’s Day, that God is the Father that my children and I need most. I never have to worry about being good enough for Him. I am covered and made ‘good enough’ by the forgiveness found in Jesus’ sacrifice. God made us each unique and loves each one of us just as we are, with all His heart. Enough to give His life for us. He has given us gifts and talents that many of us do not even know are there yet. He thinks we are totally worth it if He would give so much for us. Although our earthly fathers were imperfect and love us in their own imperfect ways, His love is perfect. You are enough and you are not too much.
And what about our children? He is Father to the fatherless. If you choose to put God as the head of your home and follow His word in raising your children He will bring what you need and show you how to be the best parent you can be. I learned many years ago at a single mother’s conference that my home is NOT broken if Christ is the head of it. My children do not have to be a statistic on a government study of broken homes. We can thrive and be different IF we allow God to be our guide and the center of our home and our lives. We do have a choice after all.
Psalm 68:5-6
New International Version (NIV)
5 A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows,
is God in his holy dwelling.
6 God sets the lonely in families,[a]
he leads out the prisoners with singing;
but the rebellious live in a sun-scorched land.
Isaiah 54: 4-6, 13-14
New International Version (NIV)
4 Do not be afraid; you will not be put to shame.
Do not fear disgrace; you will not be humiliated.
You will forget the shame of your youth
and remember no more the reproach of your widowhood.
5 For your Maker is your husband--
the Lord Almighty is his name--
the Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer;
Others may not have the best relationship or memories with their earthly Father either. Perhaps he was critical, demanding, cold, cruel, absent or just not all that affectionate. Maybe he left you hurt, empty or feeling like you could never be good enough.
I am reminded this year, the day after Father’s Day, that God is the Father that my children and I need most. I never have to worry about being good enough for Him. I am covered and made ‘good enough’ by the forgiveness found in Jesus’ sacrifice. God made us each unique and loves each one of us just as we are, with all His heart. Enough to give His life for us. He has given us gifts and talents that many of us do not even know are there yet. He thinks we are totally worth it if He would give so much for us. Although our earthly fathers were imperfect and love us in their own imperfect ways, His love is perfect. You are enough and you are not too much.
And what about our children? He is Father to the fatherless. If you choose to put God as the head of your home and follow His word in raising your children He will bring what you need and show you how to be the best parent you can be. I learned many years ago at a single mother’s conference that my home is NOT broken if Christ is the head of it. My children do not have to be a statistic on a government study of broken homes. We can thrive and be different IF we allow God to be our guide and the center of our home and our lives. We do have a choice after all.
Psalm 68:5-6
New International Version (NIV)
5 A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows,
is God in his holy dwelling.
6 God sets the lonely in families,[a]
he leads out the prisoners with singing;
but the rebellious live in a sun-scorched land.
Isaiah 54: 4-6, 13-14
New International Version (NIV)
4 Do not be afraid; you will not be put to shame.
Do not fear disgrace; you will not be humiliated.
You will forget the shame of your youth
and remember no more the reproach of your widowhood.
5 For your Maker is your husband--
the Lord Almighty is his name--
the Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer;