Thanks, Dad! 
This devotional was written by Kelly McFadden

  “The LORD is like a father to his children, tender and compassionate to those who fear him.” Psalm 103:13 

“If you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask him.” Matthew 7:11

Two years ago, my best friend’s father unexpectedly passed away.  I’ll never forget the phone call I received that day.  It was frantic and panicked, scared and distressed.  The next few weeks became a journey traveling the road of loss with close friends.  The most difficult part was hearing my friend expressing her wish to have another opportunity to make sure her dad knew how much she loved and appreciated him. 

This prompted my sister and I to sit together, brainstorm, and make a list for our dad of reasons not only why we appreciated him, but also memories from growing up.  We typed it out and took the big guy to dinner where we shared everything we loved, respected and valued about him.  We laughed through memories of times we played catch or had gone fishing.  We reflected on bedtime prayers and the way our dad had demonstrated the value in serving and giving to others.  We cried again about the cancer he had faced years before and told him how much we admired the way he found his strength in the Lord.  The buzz words we typed on the page brought up an abundant supply of stories and memories that kept us talking and sharing for hours. 

Looking back on this wonderful time with my dad, I can’t help but feel slightly convicted.  For when have I shared this kind of a moment with my Heavenly Father?  Maybe you are like me and your prayers often reflect more of what you want and less of how wonderful the Lord is; or more of what you need and less of how thankful you are for what you have.  We have a Father in Heaven who loves us unconditionally and gives us wonderful gifts.  He cares for our pains, trials, and triumphs.  He tells us not to worry and takes care of our needs.  He longs to hear from you, His child.

There is no doubt in my mind that my dad knows how much my sister and I love him.  Father’s Day is Sunday, so make sure your father knows how much you care through a phone call, a letter or an invitation to walk down memory lane.  Some of you may not have a pleasant memory of your father or you might not have any memories at all.  This may be the time to start down the road to forgiveness or reconciliation, or it may be a chance to thank others in your life that have offered fatherly wisdom to you along the way.

More importantly, don’t miss your chance to do the very same thing for your Father in Heaven who loved you so much He sent his Son to die for you.

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GOING DEEPER:

1. This Father’s Day, go beyond telling your father that you love him by telling him why you love him.

2. Find a piece of paper and begin to write down all of the blessings the Lord has given you.  Try to spend 10 minutes in a prayer of thanksgiving.

FURTHER READING:
Proverbs 1:8; Luke 11:1-13; 2 Corinthians 6:15-18.

Kelly McFadden currently works at Mariners Church Southern California. She and her husband Michael are the new parents of Campbell McFadden.


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