Today is my first Father’s Day without my father.
Dad passed away unexpectedly one month ago tomorrow, leaving an empty space at the head of our family table and an aching hole in each of our hearts.
Normally I’d be on the phone with him right now, wishing him a happy Father’s Day, telling him how proud I am to be his son, what a wonderful father he is, and how much I love him, but that phone call will never again be made. Never again, in this life, will I be able to share with him my accomplishments, seek his counsel, or hear his laugh. Never again will we be able to take a walk, play a game, or share a joke.
Yet, in spite of the grief, I feel peace. I know Dad loved God, he was ready, and I will see him again. Of this I have no doubt. When Jesus comes again, He will raise up Dad and Eddie and my grandparents and we will have a wonderful reunion. “Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord” – and with each other. (1 Thess 4:17)
I also feel joy and thankfulness, because, in looking back, I realize Dad and I rarely had a cross word between us and we shared so many wonderful experiences. Hiking in the Adirondacks, canoeing in Maine, working with wood, playing the sax, ping-pong, and our love for God. I’m just so proud to have been his son and so thankful for the amazing father he was.
Most of all, I feel loved, because, although my earthly father is gone, I know I am not alone. I am not fatherless. I still have a Father, a heavenly Father, who loves me with an everlasting love (Jeremiah 31:3), who will never leave me nor forsake me (Hebrews 13:5), and who “heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” (Ps. 147:3).
God is “father of the fatherless” (Ps. 68:5) and “tender and compassionate to those who fear him” (Ps. 103:13). He loves us so much “He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16).
This Father’s Day, although I miss Dad terribly, two things ease the pain – I know I will see Dad again someday soon and I still have a Father who loves me with all His heart and always will.
This Father’s Day, if you have an earthly father to love, give him an extra hug. If you don’t then know this – you are not alone. You too have a heavenly Father who loves you and who is coming soon to take you home. Today may you feel His peace which passes all understanding surrounding you and may you find comfort every day in His loving arms.
Happy Father’s Day!