Father's Day, 2021

And he arose and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ But the father said to his servants, ‘Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet. And bring the fattened calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate. For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.’ And they began to celebrate. (Luke 15:20-24 ESV).

 

I know not everyone will have a “happy” Father’s Day today. There are many reasons for that truth, some justified and others imagined. Regardless, let me encourage you with a story from my personal journey. I’ve attached a picture of my Dad and Mom on their wedding day. While not as young as I was when they began their journey, they still had just as many “surprises” awaiting them as Mary and I have. I was their third son, certainly a surprise in itself, as they were hoping for a daughter. As the years past, my Dad consistently encouraged me to concentrate on academics leading to a college degree. He wanted a different life for me than was afforded him, having grown up through the Great Depression. I did make it to college. While there I met Mary, became a Christian, and changed my career path to the ministry as a Baptist.

 

Some might feel that would be a source of great celebration. Suffice it to say it was not received as good news. For many reasons my Dad felt like he had failed me and I was now on a path of poverty and hardship. In his anger he stormed from the house giving me the impression he never wanted to see me again. I was determined to continue to communicate with him and called weekly. To my delight I was received warmly. Soon Mary and I were able to travel back to spend weekends with them. That was always a time when he and I went fishing. It has always been “our thing.” During those times I was able to explain the reasons for such a change in my life and direction. Our relationship began to grow better than ever before. What I didn’t realize was that it would be a very short three years before He would die as a result of a heart attack. I am thankful that I have absolute confidence in his relationship with the Lord and will spend many more years with him in heaven someday. However, I regret that I no longer have the opportunity to pick up a phone and simply call him. I’d like to share with him some of the many things that have been a direct result of his love and direction in my life. God always strike a straight blow with even the most crooked of sticks!

 

If your father is still living, reconcile if necessary and possible. And, above all else, do not forget that your heavenly Father always is ready for you with open arms!