Today is a very important day. We owe so much to the fathers in our lives. Mine has gone on to be with the Lord but I miss him dearly. But I have a father who is always there. Somebody I can count on for everything. Just thinking about him every morning always makes me smile.

This morning I was in church and they were honoring fathers for the most kids, newest kid, and the oldest dad, who was 90, and talking about being a good and important part of their child’s lives.

With only 40% of children today having an active father in their home growing up. There is so much missing. I was very lucky growing up I had a great dad. He was always there for me and both parents were strong Christian supporters. I thought my life was just normal but now that I am older I see that I was blessed.

Having the love of a good father is not the norm. Someone to play ball with, someone to make sure I keep all the rules and am always in church. He taught me so many valuable lessons. Even after I had married and moved out he had good advice to give me on marriage.

When I had my stroke he came to see me all the time and was always doing things for me. I was the oldest child and we had a special bond. I remember going out for burgers on Fridays when I was a kid and we always went together just the two of us to pick up the food. It made me feel so special.

Being a really good father can be hard for many fathers. The years I was growing up dads were always at work or busy. Too busy for their kids. So much to do so little time. Leave that for mom who tended to always be there. I heard that among my friends.

This morning I thought about my Heavenly Father as we sang the song “I am a child of God”, and all he has done for me. The perfect father. The words go : In my father’s house there’s a place for me, I’m a child of God, yes I am. That just touched me so much.

I am loved in my father’s house and there are always things for me there. I love going each week and seeing so many friends. He is never too busy for any of his kids. We can come to him for anything. When we have really messed up in life his arms are open wide. Alone, scared, sad. He’s there.

My father is perfect and he loves everyone perfectly. He wants to be your father too. He is always there and always helping me in so many ways each day. I could not enjoy life without him. He wakes me up every morning and is with me when I lay my head down at night. He tells me how much he loves me every day.

What makes him happy? Seeing each of his children happy a thriving. I know in this world there is so much pain and suffering and I know that saddens God but he sees the whole picture. He knew me before I was ever born and planned out my life whole life and knew about my rebellion, my stroke, all my mistakes, but also all the triumphs in my life.

He can see it all in one moment and he smiles over the big picture and that day in the future when I will come to live with him. It is so very good. He wants us to delight in him. And when we do he smiles because we will be at our happiest.

By reading God’s word you can learn what it means to live as a child of God. But he is always drawing us closer and to himself.