A Benediction for Father’s Day

On this Father’s Day, bursting to full with conflicting and diverse emotions and experiences, I offer the following benediction.

For those grieving the loss of a precious father, may the peace and presence of our Heavenly Father would be closer than a heartbeat to you.

For those torn up by absent, wicked or abusive fathers, may you know the lies spoken over you are not true, that you do matter, and that you might find hope in the Father who is good, and will not let guilty go unpunished.

For those celebrating dear fathers who have loved well, may you be filled with deep gratitude, and that your gratitude for a person would carry your heart to worship of the Father your dad echoes.

For those longing to be a father, and yet unable, may you find space today to grieve well, and that you would know your cries are not lost in the void, but heard and held in love by your Father in heaven — who is working for your good.

For those who are overwhelmed with the daily demands of fatherhood — and know your shortcomings all too well, may you rest in the grace of God today, and find ever deepening dependence on his sustaining power as this day comes to a close.

Amen