As Christians, we have a relationship with our Heavenly Father. I don't mean to say that there's any who are equal to our Heavenly Father, but sadly, people often struggle in their relationship with God if they've had an absentee father or one who was less than ideal. And because of this, they also struggle with Father's Day.

I once read an article that said Hallmark gave free cards to prison inmates on Mother's and Father's Day. Whereas they always ran out on Mother's Day, only a small percentage of cards were actually used by inmates on Father's Day. This says a lot about our generation in regard to understanding the role of fatherhood!

But regardless of upbringing, Jesus made a statement to Mary after his resurrection that should encourage all of us: "Do not cling to Me, for I have not yet ascended to My Father; but go to My brethren and say to them, "I am ascending to My Father and your Father, and to My God and your God."" (John 20:17)

Jesus bridged the gap and gave all of us an opportunity to have a relationship with OUR FATHER GOD. And in a great show of love, even before we came to this revelation, our Heavenly Father put people in our lives to reflect Him and His love for us.

Maybe it was a school teacher or a coach; maybe the father-figure was the store or garage owner who always asked how you were doing. Perhaps God showed Himself to you through a preacher or Sunday School teacher. And yet, there may be some reading this who are still thinking, "I didn't have that in my life". I understand. The devil has been a great counterfeiter down through the ages. He has had an agenda of perverting everything good that God is-including the image of Him as a loving Father!!!

An unknown author once wrote:

A dad is someone who wants to catch you before you fall, but instead picks you up, brushes you off, and lets you try again. A dad is someone who wants to keep you from making mistakes, but instead lets you find your own way, even though his heart breaks in silence when you get hurt. A dad is someone who holds you when you cry, scolds you when you break the rules, shines with pride when you succeed, and has faith in you even when you fail.

I have to agree. I've had all of these, and I hope you have too. And now I see that my Heavenly Father was there all along, speaking through and using many to mold me. So, on this Father's Day (and every Father's Day), I am grateful to Him-and for all He has done for me and everyone he used to get the job done. I hope you are too!

In His loving service,

Vernon