Fathers' Day with Your Heavenly Father

Faith

Father's Day is almost here, and fathers, stepfathers and grandfathers all over the nation will be celebrated on this special day. Tools, ties and special dinners are a big part of the day, but the focus is on spending time with and thanking your father. Whether you have an earthly father or not, you always have a Father in heaven who can be part of your celebration. Thinking of the gifts he has given you and pausing for reflection on this special day makes Father's Day even more meaningful.

4 Ways to Get Closer to your Heavenly Father hits Father's Day

1. REMEMBER YOU ARE CHERISHED AND PROTECTED

Matthew reminds us that we are like a lost sheep to our heavenly Father, and that he will be there for us, even when others are in crisis and there is a lot going on:

“What do you think? If a man owns a hundred sheep, and one of the wanders away, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go look for the one that wandered off? And if he finds it, I tell you the truth, he is happier about that one sheep than about the ninety-nine that did not wander off. In the same way your Father in Heaven is not willing that any of these little ones should be lost.”

Matthew 18:12-14

Remembering that lost sheep and the lengths a shepherd is willing to go to be sure that the missing one is found reminds us that we are cherished, and that He is always looking out for us. The recognition of how special you are to Him and that he is with you, even when you feel lost, will bring you closer this Father's Day and year-round.

2. GIVE THANKS FOR YOUR EARTHLY FATHER

Whether you can spend time with him today or not, giving thanks for the gift of your earthly father will draw you closer to your heavenly Father as well. Your earthly father could be a traditional one, or someone who has fulfilled that role for you. The man who has offered guidance, provided an amazing example and protected you here on Earth is a gift; thanking the Lord for him draws you closer to both. Think about the times that you relied on your earthly father's advice, that you felt protected by him, a grandfather or other important man in your life that fulfills this role for you. Take some time to give thanks for this person who the Lord placed in your life and the support he has given you.

3. BE A BLESSING TO A DAD TODAY

You're there for your own father, but what about the men with kids who are not able to be there today? Serving others draws you closer to your heavenly Father and gives this special day even more meaning. When you serve at a nursing home, extend an invitation to a neighbor who you know will spend the day alone or just reach out to a dad who is grieving, you are performing an act of kindness that pleases the Lord and that draws you closer.

4. RECOMMIT TO SERVING OTHERS

Every day is a chance to thank and honor the Father who has always been with you, who has forgiven every sin and who is always watching over you. Taking time today to think about what he has done for you can inspire you to help others. Read a book, head to a service and learn more ways to serve others in your own community on a regular basis to honor Him on this and every day.

Whether you serve others in your career as a teacher, counselor, medical provider in another helping profession or you serve as a role model for others, remembering why you chose the field you are in can help you reconnect with the Lord. Pausing on this special day to remember the call to be a good example for others and to think about ways you can be a blessing will draw you closer to your heavenly Father, and please Him as well:

In all things you yourself must be an example of good behavior. Be sincere and serious in your teaching. (Titus 2:7)

Father's Day is Ideal for Drawing Closer to Both of your Fathers

Using Father's Day as an opportunity to reflect on the ways you've been healed, helped and protected by both your Earthly father and your heavenly One can draw you closer to both. Use this day as an opportunity to serve others and please the Lord. This day can have far more meaning than just a handing over an expensive gift or making a phone call. Dedicate the day to both of your Fathers and strive to honor them. You'll feel closer to both and have a fresh appreciation for the things they do for you.

If you’d like to learn more about professions that enable you to serve wholeheartedly and faithfully in your life’s work or want to learn more about a biblically based, Christ-centered education at Geneva, we’d love to chat with you. For more information on how Geneva College can help you pursue your education goals, please phone us at 855-979-5563 or email web@geneva.edu.

Opinions expressed in the Geneva Blog are those of its contributors and do not necessarily represent the opinions or official position of the College. The Geneva Blog is a place for faculty and contributing writers to express points of view, academic insights, and contribute to national conversations to spark thought, conversation, and the pursuit of truth, in line with our philosophy as a Christian, liberal arts institution.

Jun 12, 2019

Faith

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