This month we celebrate “Father’s Day.” I know that the word “father” can evoke a wide range of emotions – comfort, confusion, joy, or even pain. It is a bittersweet time for me as my lovely dad died some years ago. As we approach Father’s Day, we are encouraged to reflect on the men who have guided, supported, and nurtured us. For many, this day recalls warm memories of guidance and love. For others, it can be a complex or tender time, perhaps highlighting the shortcomings of our earthly relationships or the absence of a father figure.
Yet, regardless of our experiences, the season of Father’s Day offers a chance to reflect on the ultimate model of fatherhood-the unconditional love of God.
God is not just a father, but a good Father – perfect in love, steadfast in presence, and generous in grace. From the very beginning of the bible, we see a God who is deeply involved with His children. In Genesis:16 God was given the name “the God who sees. Whether you feel seen or invisible, heard or forgotten, God knows our needs and never stops watching over us. One of the most well-known pictures of God as Father is in the story of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15). When the wayward son returns his father runes to meet him with love and forgiveness. That’s our God. His love doesn’t depend on how good we are. God doesn’t keep score. He runs toward us even when we are far off. We are His children, and He delights in us.
On Father’s Day, we celebrate all the men in our community who strive to reflect God’s love to the next generation. Take a moment to say thank for those the men in your life. But also take a moment to sit quietly knowing that God unconditionally loves you. No matter your past, your struggles, or your earthly circumstances, you are God’s beloved child, and he will never leave us, never disappoint us, and is always present to offer the comfort and security we need.
On Sunday 21 June we will celebrate Father’s Day as we begin a new Service called Sundays@4. This service might be a ‘Songs of Praise,’ a pet service, evening prayer or as on Father’s Day an outdoor celebration for everyone 0-100. This will take place weather permitting in the Rectory garden at Barrow with a time to worship God together, activities for Children and refreshments.
You may be blessed, as I was, and have an earthly father who is an example of God’s love. Your earthly father may be a painful absence in your life. But we can all know this: God is the Father your heart was made for. He is good, He is near, and He is always enough.
Blessings
Revd Nicola
