A Thank You for Father’s Day
We Americans love holidays…at least the idea of holidays. Unfortunately, we’re often better at how we celebrate than we are at understanding why we celebrate.
Father’s Day is just around the corner. Did you know that Father’s Day is way behind Mother’s Day in terms of what it will cost most of us? (In case you’re wondering, we spend an average of $90.89 on dads and $123.90 on moms.) I guess dads have to be more laid back in their expectations, as the most popular gift—and often the only one they get—is a Father’s Day card…sigh.
In America, this day to honor fathers was officially recognized in 1972 with President Nixon’s declaration that Father’s Day would henceforth be the third Sunday in June. But for believers, honoring our fathers is not optional. It is one of the “Top Ten”…Commandments, that is.
“Honor your father and mother” is a message rarely heard outside of the church today. I can hardly imagine a subject less on the radar of the average American than this one. God’s word and commandments have not changed; we are still called to honor and respect our parents, not least our fathers, imperfect and flawed though they may be.
So here are my simple words of encouragement and appreciation to all the good dads who thanklessly, and without fanfare, go about doing their jobs day in and day out.
Thank you for loving us. Thank you for loving us even when we weren’t lovable! Thank you for loving us when we took that love for granted—even when we saw the hurt we would cause, and still disobediently went our own way.
Thank you for providing a home, food, and clothes for us. Thank you for going to work faithfully to take care of us. This responsibility must weigh heavily on your shoulders.
Thank you for the times you said no, for caring enough to discipline us instead of giving in to our every plea.
Thank you for setting rules and boundaries that taught us right from wrong, teaching us that breaking rules would have consequences. Thank you for counseling, listening, and reasoning with us.
Thank you for not holding on to us so tightly. Thanks for letting us fail now and then, giving us the chance to learn some hard lessons for ourselves.
Thank you for praying for us. For teaching us about God the Heavenly Father and for expressing to us your love for Him, pointing us to a Savior. Thanks for living out your faith out in ways we could see, for praying with us and praying for us.
Thank you for the sleepless nights, the prayers, the tears, the words you said, and the words you didn’t say!
Thank you that when we were rejected by others, or failed at school or sports, or weren’t the most attractive, or popular, or intelligent…we know you loved us still.
From your example we learned how God our Heavenly Father loves: always, unconditionally, and at times heartbreakingly! Thank you.
And may I say to my dear husband, Greg, thank you. Christopher and Jonathan would be the first to say they learned (and are learning) responsibility of fathering from your faithful example. You have been a steady signpost, a rock, consistent through the greatest joys and greatest sorrows of your life. You were, and are, a great dad; we love you.
But in closing, for those of you fathers who are getting this message late…it’s not too late. I realize there are no perfect fathers. We are all sinners in need of forgiveness. I pray you come to know by experience that the gospel is big and robust enough to redeem even the toughest of you. May you know the transforming love of a perfect Father. God Himself made the greatest sacrifice for you in sending His Son to die that you might live, and love, and face the challenges of fathering with His power working in you.
13 comments
Barbara | May 31, 2011
I did not have my earthly father in my life from age 12 until I was 21, but blessedly we were reconciled at that point and remained in touch and as family until my father's death 23 years ago. Although I did not know it then, my Heavenly Father was with me all the time, even when my other father was not. I did not truly come to know Him until 10 years ago at age 67. Now I can look back and see how He was always there and was looking out for me all the time. I am truly blessed to have a Heavenly Father who loves me unconditionally, even when I do not always do the things I should, although I am getting better and better every day. This Father's Day I give thanks and honor and praise to my Abba Father in Heaven. I thank Him for loving me so much that He gave His only Son for me so that I could receive eternal life.
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JoAnn | May 31, 2011
Thank you for this! I know I'm guilty of not making my husband's Father's Day as special as he deserves, however since becoming a follower of Jesus Christ I've realized just how much I didn't do, but will be doing from now on. God bless!
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Grace | May 31, 2011
You are so right Cathe; that is, we don't appreciate our father's for all they have done. Especially working tirelessly to provide for their families. My Dad has been with Our Heavenly Father for fourteen years. At least I know in my heart how much he meant to me and all he sacrificed for his family. Working and never complaining and dealing with five children. We were spread out over twenty years and my Mom and Dad loved us unconditionally. I never realized it until they were gone. God has given us the ability to forgive ourselves and the wisdom to honor other fathers and mothers who need to be loved. We know when we show compassion to others and care for others, by that we honor our own fathers and mother because we learned how to care by their example. It's never too late to honor your father and mother by honoring others in need. God bless you and your wonderful husband and your ministry.
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Melodee | May 31, 2011
Similar to my sister, Barbara, I did not have a close relationship with my father, until I became a mother at 17. But I am so thankful for the years we had, though I wanted many more. He had given his life and heart to Jesus but I did not get if for quite awhile, not until 2007 and that was when I began to know of the unfailing and truly unconditional love and mercy of my true Father in Heaven. I love you Father, thank you for sending your precious Son to die for me, and I only want to serve and worship you with all I am and all I have. Thank you for loving me and waiting for me. I love you, my Father, my friend, my everything.
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Janice | June 1, 2011
Thank you Cathe. My father was all of the things you wrote about. He was my biggest fan and loved me the best way that an Earthly father could love a child--and often times I was a rascal. I lost my Dad just over 5 years ago and I miss him every day. Oh, what I would give for a hug from him. He gave the best hugs! I was with him when God welcomed him home and I had the chance to tell him how much I loved him and ask him to forgive me for not loving him as good as he loved me. My Mom gave me the best gift when she married my Dad.
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Diane | June 1, 2011
I thank you for this awesome and encouraging message-it really opened my eyes to sooo many things that I really never paid attention to..........May God Bless you always as He has been and take care!
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Avis | June 1, 2011
Thank you Cathe for that reminder of the love of our Heavenly Father who died for our sins and loved us even when we did not know Him. I am so thankful for my father and for his love and hard work and for loving my
Mom; she still misses him! They loved each other so much! My Dad had been on the USS Chicago in Pearl Harbor during WWII. It was bombed in the harbor and they had to dive through the burning oil with a piece of the flag, in order to live. He was our hero! Dad got out of the Navy and he and Mom worked hard raising the seven of us. Before Arden and I were born, Dad got saved and became quite a soul winner! I am so thankful for his example and for leading our family in Bible reading every morning and for working two jobs to support us. My twin sister and I got saved at a revival when we were seven. Dad went home to be with Jesus six months later! I still miss him! I am so thankful for my husband who has been such a great father to Jason 24 and Joshua 20! He has just retired after 35 years with the county; and he was such a good example for our sons of a loving father even though his father left his Mom when Steve was three years old! He had to forgive his Dad, as he abandoned him and his Mom and two brothers. He truly missed out! Jesus is a good father who will never leave us or forsake us! Happy Father's Day Greg! Thank you for being a great Dad and Grandfather too! Love, Avis
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Evelyn | June 1, 2011
Cathe thanks for this wonderful reminder. I'm going to translate every beautiful thing you wrote into Spanish and send it to my wonderful father who was all of the above to 7 siblings and myself.
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Nicole | June 1, 2011
Thank you Cathe for all your wise words. Growing up we take a lot for granted and realize when we get older how hard our Dad's worked for us to keep a roof over our heads. I know my Dad was by no means perfect but I have forgiven him for the many hurts he brought to our family over the years. He was always steadfast and never left us. He passed away years ago. I miss him terribly. He had such a rough life himself that it makes me sad. Our heavenly father tells us to respect our parents and obey them. God knew our parents wouldn't be perfect and I am grateful that he tells us to honor and obey our parents. They are only human too!
My husband is a wonderful man and has always been there for me and my two sons. He adopted my first son and has loved him as his own. I know both my boys just love him no matter his faults. God gave this man to be the father of my two boys whether biological or not. He loves both boys and plays no favors. He came into our life when my son and I needed something secure and he provided it. God sent him to us, I know he did. I have to remember these things when times are tough and move along in life. These trials in life are hard to understand, so honoring the men in your life matters and learning to not take them for granted is a work in progress. Father's Day is a great day to remember all the wonderful fathers and not so wonderful father's!!
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Christina | June 2, 2011
I just lost my Dad on Sunday May 22. We buried him yesterday. I saw a quote once that says, "Anyone can be a Father, but it takes a special man to be a Dad." My dad was very special and loved by everyone. Just wanted to say that even though my heart was breaking seeing him dying from cancer I was at peace because I know God was with me. Also I've learned so much from Greg and Cathe when they lost their son. Not that it's the same losing a son to a father, but of the Hope he talks about. For all of you who still have your dad, cherish him. My dad was diagnosed in January with kidney cancer that spread throughout the body even his brain. He was with us only 4 months after that. I will miss him so much. Happy Father's Day to your loved ones.
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Simona | June 4, 2011
Thank you Cathe for the encouraging message, but I never knew my earthly father. My father died a month before my brother and I were born, and my mother was left a widow with 10 children and two more on the way. My mom tried to be a mother and a father, but my Heavenly Father was always there and He always provided in everything. I have witnessed His loving hands upon us. He has blessed me with a husband and a son that loves Jesus with all their heart. As a little girl I always found something to be thankful for. It's not just one day of the year, it's every day for me and they are found, mostly in the simpliest things. I am thankful that one day, I will see my earthly father in heaven. May the Lord Bless you and your family Cathe and have an Awesome Father's Day with Your Loved Ones. :))
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Myrna | June 9, 2011
Blessings to all Dads this Fathers Day. I am happy to say that my recollection of my dad was that he was gifted with a great sense of humor. That mixed with a quick wit and wonderful story teller made him a unique in my book. And even though our encounter happened in his winter years and when I was all grown up, I still cherish those few years spent getting to know him. In the end, I came away with unconditional love that grew as the years passed and we had many conversations together. In the end a wonderful friendship blossomed between us. I cherish this gift from my Heavenly Father who opened my eyes, healed my heart and blessed me with wonderful memories to recall whenever I think of my Dad.
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Lorrie | June 16, 2011
I looked at the family picture and began to cry. I was praying for your family last night because Father's Day can be incredibly hard for some families. My brother died 2 years ago and is with Christopher in heaven. I will continue to pray for your family. I listen to Greg every morning on my way to work and it sure gets me motivated and sometimes convicted! Blessings to all of you.
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