In our culture it is too easy for us to get so busy that we neglect taking the time to show our appreciation to those who deserve it. I think that is why we have days like Memorial Day, Veteran’s Day and President’s Day. They have lost their intention over the years, in my opinion, and have just become days we look forward to having off, hosting barbecues and sleeping in. But they were designed to help everyone give honor where honor is due.
To me, that is what Mother’s and Father’s Day are about. It is a reminder to pause and thank those who gave birth to you, raised you, taught you to be who you are today…I also understand that for many in our world today, these days are painful reminders of a life without. Without the ability to be or have a parent, for one reason or another. Maybe it was because of death. Could have been because of choice. And it may just be that although present in the home, the parents were abusive and neglectful. Growing up in a Christian home with parents who were faithful to one another and our family, I can’t imagine what it is like to deal with the negative emotions these days can bring.
However, one thing I know for sure is that all of us have someone in our lives who have been “like” a parent. Could be an aunt or uncle, a friend’s parents, a teacher, a family at church, a scout troop leader…and whether we recognize it or not, we have a heavenly Father who cares for us more than any earthly person could ever dream of. It would be so easy for us to blame God and count Him as just another one who has failed us. But He didn’t fail us. He cannot fail! People…oh people fail us daily. The free will we’ve been created with leaves us all in darkness at times. The choices of others (and often times our own choices) are what cause us to feel that sting of failure.
So on these days, especially Father’s Day, it would be so convenient for some of us to increase our thick skin and get angry and revolt against any sort of celebrations.
Here at GCFirst, we are aware of how hard it can be on these days. However we don’t want to pull back from recognizing those who may just need the reminder to keep on keeping on. We don’t want to miss an opportunity to encourage you to say thanks to your dad, that person who has been like a dad, and most importantly, to your Father God.
So instead of just saying “Happy Father’s Day”, which we will say, we want to say “Thank You” to all of the men who have taken the time to be an example of what a godly man is to others from children to peers. We honor and appreciate you. Enjoy a cup of Eurasia Coffee and a donut from First Cup Cafe this Sunday! It’s on us!!
