Dads

Dad. What do you think of when you hear that name? For most, it conjures up several images. Someone who plays catch with you. The "handyman" who fixes what's broken. The math expert who helps you with your homework. The one who carries out the trash. The breadwinner who works to pay the bills. The instructor who taught you how to ride a bike. The coach who worked with your soccer team. The cash dispenser who gives you spending money. The photographer who takes pictures of the rest of the family. The one who takes naps on Sunday afternoons. The groundskeeper who makes sure the grass stays mowed. The spiritual leader who takes you to church and talks to you about what's important in life.

We each have our own perception of what a dad is. I was blessed to have a great dad growing up. He was my hero (and still is). I pray every day that I can be a good father for my own kids. I know that most of you have wonderful dads who work hard to make sure that you have what you need and try to be a spiritual role model for you. But dads are human and make mistakes like everyone else. We are not perfect. And you may not even have had the benefit of a loving dad. But we have a heavenly Father who is perfect. He's always there for us, He never gives up on us, and He never fails. He gives us strength when we're weak and He has spared nothing, not even His own Son, to save us in the end. John said, "Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God!" (1 John 3:1)

Thank your dad on this Father's Day, and remember the perfect Father who gives us all good things.

(From the Johnson Street Youth Group Trumpeter, 6/15/08)