Father’s Day…it just takes one.

One hundred thirteen years ago the state of Washington set aside a day to celebrate fathers because of one person’s desire to honor her father. (Read the history here: A Brief History of Father’s Day – dummies)

Fast forward sixty-two years, it became a national holiday. Although Father’s Day has been observed throughout America since 1924, it wasn’t until President Richard Nixon signed it into law in 1972 which permanently established the observance on the third Sunday in June.

It was the idea of one to initiate this honor.

Many have had high-standard examples of fatherhood in life. Others experienced the lack-of a father figure or an ungodly representation of how a father should be to one’s child(ren). No matter what your upbringing was or currently is, there is just One we need to recognize as the greatest example.

Being a parent is not an easy task. We are human. We make mistakes, and hopefully we learn from them. Recently I was speaking with one of mine and Tim’s children about parenting. I mentioned that just as they are learning to be a child/adult-child, we are learning to be a parent. However, we can share our experiences and lessons learned because we have been where they are. Each stage is different, and we don’t have all the answers, but gratefully we know The One who does.

When I think back on the examples of fatherhood in my own life, I’ve been blessed. I’ve been blessed to have godly men in my life. These men had flaws and stumbled a time or two or multiple times. Nevertheless, whether it was instantaneously recognized or it took a few years, these men often displayed humility by grasping understanding from their faults and making things right. What was the culminating factor to earning and learning forgiveness, unconditional love and support, peace, and humility…Jesus Christ. He is The One who makes the difference in the lives of others.

Jesus’ Father is The Ultimate Parent. It just takes one, and God is The One!

In Ephesians 5:1-2a it says, “Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are His dear children. Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ.” Friend, no matter the circumstance of the fatherly example you have or had in life, I want to encourage you to always look to The One…God…our Heavenly Father…The Ultimate Parent as your example on how to live. He is always there for you.

There may be times when you feel that He is letting you down, but hold on, He just isn’t answering your prayer the way you want. He may be saying, “Yes”, “No”, or “Not yet”, but remember…He’s got a plan and it is a great one! When you have Christ in your life, you have a purpose to live. He is your purpose, and He has a plan.

It is my prayer that you will honor The Father by giving your life to Him and living with a purpose.

Happy Father’s Day to you men and remember that you are being an example to little eyes all around you. They may belong to you, or they may be the eyes of others surrounding you for seasons in your life. Rise above and be a godly man.

Blessings to you and yours,

Stephanie