Happy Father's Day, God

Today is Father's Day. 

My biological father passed away many years ago. Days like today still sting because I miss his presence. My father wasn't a perfect man, but he was my daddy. He was the first man I ever loved. 

Many of us have fathers who have passed away. For some, our fathers were our heroes. They were our protectors and providers. We were Daddy's little girl or his favorite buddy. 

For many of us, our fathers were not present in our lives. We have spent years feeling the loud echoes of their absence. We spend our lives chasing that absence, wondering what we did to make them leave or become distant. For some of us, although our fathers were physically present, there was still an empty space where love, protection, and affirmation should have been. Maybe they didn't know how to give that kind of love. Maybe they gave all they knew how to give. 

No matter what relationship we had with our fathers, those experiences have somehow shaped how we show up in the world—how we react, love, engage, trust, or withdraw from male figures. 

There are many verses in the Bible that refer to the role of a father. The most significant reference, however, is God as our spiritual Father. 

For those who have not had the best relationship with a human father, it may be difficult to embrace a Spirit who is referred to in the male form, especially when hurt, disappointment, and pain are connected to our experiences with men.

Even for those of us who had loving fathers, there can still be comparisons, expectations, and longings that influence our everyday relationships. 

On this Father's Day, I want to suggest that we think about all the qualities we desire in a father—or the beautiful qualities we have experienced in one. 

Do we seek the protection of a father? 

Do we seek the strength of a father? 

Do we seek a father who is fearless? 

Do we seek the provision of a father? 

Do we seek the wisdom of a father? 

Do we seek our first example of true love from a father? 

In Matthew 6:9, Jesus teaches us to pray: 

"Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name." 

How to we inherently view God as a Father? 

As I pondered this question, I realized that I had never truly celebrated God on this day as the Parent who has been the most consistent provider and protector throughout my life. 

For the first time, I realized that I had never said, "Happy Father's Day" to God. 

Today, I want to thank God for being an amazing Father. 

I want to thank Him for being a loving Father. 

I want to thank Him for allowing me to be His baby girl. 

I want to thank Him for putting food on the table. 

For helping me through the hard things in life. 

For laughing with me and crying with me. 

For fixing my boo-boos. 

For comforting my heart when I experienced my first heartbreak. 

For making sure He held me when the training wheels of life came off. 

For cheering me on as I walked across the stage at graduation. 

For holding my hand when I brought my first child into the world. 

For straightening my crown when I made bad choices. 

For hiding me under His shadow and protecting me from the storms of life. 

For breathing new life into me that allows me to open my eyes every morning. 

For keeping my mind from the brink of complete breakdown. 

For healing my body when earthly doctors exhausted their options. 

For covering my children when they lost their way. 

For new mercies every day. 

For beauty from ashes. 

For grace, I did not earn. 

For forgiveness when I struggled to give it. 

For blessings I did not deserve. 

Today, I want to celebrate my Father. 

I want to say, "Happy Father's Day" to the best Dad I have ever had and ever will have. 

Happy Father's Day, God. 

You are an amazing Father.