Some Thoughts on Father's Day
By Bishop Jeff Greenway
The Apostle Paul draws from the Ten Commandments as he gives instructions for how children should honor their parents—and a father’s responsibility to live a life worthy of being honored:
“Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. ‘Honor your father and mother’—which is the first commandment with a promise— ‘so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.’ Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord. ” (Ephesians 6:1-4)
There isn’t a parent or child that doesn’t realize this is sometimes easier said than done, but it’s important for us to get this relationship right—or it can be very difficult to be obedient child who honors our Heavenly Father.
It’s Father’s Day in the United States. It can be a day of mixed emotions for many of us...
Some of us look forward to this day with anticipation and will honor the men who have helped give and nurture us in life, but others are hurting, lonely and may even stay away from worship because of the pain today brings.
Some of us had dads who checked all the boxes for being a great role model in our lives, but others didn’t and struggle with our cultural expectations for the day,
Some of us had dads who instilled grace and confidence in our lives, but others had fathers who struggled so much with their own brokenness they couldn’t emotionally invest in us.
Some of us had dads who were present and engaged in our lives and we never doubted their love and support. While others had fathers who were absent and distant. We’ve never quite been sure how they felt about us and are still searching for acceptance.
Some of us have dads who lived before us a life that became the Gospel, but others had fathers whose words and actions have made it more difficult to see and trust God as a good heavenly Father.
Some of us still have our dads and we’ll spend part of today with them, but some of us have lost our dads and the separation of death brings tears to our eyes and a dull ache to our hearts.
Some of us are called “Dad” and know the special joy of raising children, but others aren’t and are well acquainted with the ache of unfulfilled dreams.
Some of us are not biological fathers, but we have been called and gifted to help raise other people’s children.
Some of us will see and be honored by our kids today, but others have lost a child and know far too well the truth that we weren’t created to bury our children.
It's Father's Day. We honor and celebrate the dads who can celebrate today. We also pray for and acknowledge those who can’t. And in all things, we remember our Heavenly Father is good.