Great Father

Great Father

This Sunday is Father’s Day. A day to think about our own Dads and their impact on our lives. Most certainly, they have left an imprint on our hearts, minds and souls.

My Dad has been in heaven for almost four years but what he taught makes me the woman I am today. Here is a snapshot into the lessons he shared concerning the heart, mind and spirit of each human being.

Heart❤ Dad took me to a Billy Graham crusade when I was 14. This was a huge deal in the 70’s because I was a Catholic girl going to a Protestant rally. I don’t remember much of what was going on around me other than being in a sea of people and feeling the intense draw to walk forward when invited to ask Jesus into my heart. This moment helped me progress from simply practicing religion to having a relationship with God. Accepting Jesus as Lord in my life is a moment that I will never forget.

Mind 🧠 During my teen years, Dad taught me about the devil and his plan to steal, kill and destroy. (John 10:10) This instruction made me realize that life is a battle that must be fought with Jesus as the warrior in my corner. Through my Dad’s instruction and also the book, This Present Darkness, by Frank Peretti, I was delivered from the battles that raged in my mind. Knowing that the Lord has rescued me and made me whole through His power in my life, has kept me on track to be the person He wants me to be, with clarity and purpose.

Spirit ✝ Dad taught me that without a relationship with Jesus, I have nothing. He taught me to prioritize this relationship to be number one in my life and then true contentment and happiness would follow. Material objects, experiences or the next new trend won’t sustain me and will only keep me looking for the next best thing. However, a relationship with Jesus allows the Holy Spirit to fill my life with a satisfaction that only He can offer.

Whether your Dad was a Godly father or not, you have an invitation sitting at your feet to pick up the cross and follow Jesus. He completes our Earthly father and will fill in any gaps left open along the way from our own Dads. He is our perfect father.

Regardless of your relationship with your own Dad, pick up the phone or offer a hug to thank him for the positive impact that he made in your life. Focus on the good and not on any scars that might have emerged along the way. You made him a father and he loves you, so let him know that you love him too. At the same time, never forget that you are enveloped by our Heavenly Father, who loves you fiercely, and has a purpose and plan for your life.

Happy Father’s Day!

James 1 : 17- “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.”