I was with some friends of mine this past weekend, all of us in our “senior” years. We were talking about Father’s Day and how none of us really cared anything about receiving a gift or having anything special done for us on that day. We all shared that what all we really wanted for Father’s Day was the gift of our children’s presence, not presents.
It’s really true, presents are nice and they can take on meaning, but there is nothing better than to be in the presence of your children (and grandchildren). I was blessed to experience the gift of presence with both of my adult children this weekend.
On Saturday I spent time with my son, Ben, and his son at the batting cages. That brought back a lot of memories of going to the cages with Ben when he was young. We then went out to lunch and it was such a delight just to be with him, to hear how life is going for him, and to share in conversation on a variety of topics we have talked about for a long time.
Yesterday I spent time with my daughter, Rachel, and her kids. It was blast to be with her and play with the kids. I am so proud of both of my children and the incredible people they have become, how they love their families and the devotion and love they have for Jesus. No gift could have taken the place of the time we spent together. Being with them is really all I needed.
It made me reflect on my relationship with God, my heavenly Father. It made me wonder, is it possible that He delights in me the way I delight in mine; that He wants nothing more from me than just my presence and being with Him?
Over the years I have spent a lot more time giving him presents of my service than just enjoying His presence. And yet over the past several years in particular, I have noticed God inviting me into places of just giving the gift of my presence, that He delights in just being with me as I do my own children. This has taken my relationship with Him to a much deeper and more meaningful level.
I know Father’s Day can be difficult for some, but I pray the truth about our Good Father, can heal and take away some of that pain. If you long to have a Father who loves you unconditionally, spend a few minutes and reflect on these verses. Let the voice of God love and comfort you. Listen to what He wants you to know as His dearly beloved child:
For the LORD your God is living among you.
He is a mighty savior.
He will take delight in you with gladness.
With his love, he will calm all your fears.
He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.
The LORD directs the steps of the godly.
He delights in every detail of their lives.
Though they stumble, they will never fall,
for the LORD holds them by the hand.
Practice for Father's Day
No matter what kind of relationship we had with our earthly father, we are invited into a loving relationship with our Heavenly Father. Here is a simple practice for you to experience Father’s Day with our Heavenly Father.
Spent some time quietly in God’s presence. Try to stay as quiet as you can. Let the noise and distracting thoughts fall away. Listen for the tender voice of God and enjoy His just being with you. After a while, end your time by simply saying: “Abba, Father, Dad; I love you. Happy Father’s Day”.
