Happy Fathers Day

I was reminded this morning that Father's Day isn't a joy for everyone. Not all of us have had the privilege of being reared by a great or even good dad.

Listening to one such person this morning after a service I realized the pain that some feel on holidays like this. I knew that kind of pain was felt by many, but it was brought up close and personal by one who was struggling with the day and her dad.

What do you say when someone says "I am not happy today because I have to spend time with a dad who...."?

I don't know if it helped, but I reminded her that regardless of the failures of her physical father she had another Father who knew she was having a tough time and would be with her throughout the day. He would not let her down, and would give her the emotional strength and courage to handle it.

That's the great thing about having a personal relationship with God. Our human relationships will all drop the ball from time to time, and sometimes with tragic results. The people God has put into our lives who are supposed to be examples - parents, teachers, pastors - are unfortunately imperfect. And when those imperfections come out, it hurts.

But our heavenly Father will never do that. He's the perfect Dad in every way.

So to Him, Happy Father's Day. You're the greatest.