Father’s Day can be a hard day. Not everyone has someone they can cook breakfast for or give a new tie to. Not everyone gets to celebrate their earthly father.
This is my first Father’s Day without my dad. For weeks my siblings and I have been struggling to come up with a reason to even celebrate the day. We had a wonderful dad who loved us, supported us and taught us. But now this holiday is just another reminder that he is gone, and we are “fatherless” children.
I know we aren’t the only ones living with that harsh reality. We were blessed with a dad for many years. Some are not as blessed. Elder D. Todd Christofferson has said, “Regrettably, due to death, abandonment, or divorce, some children don’t have fathers living with them. – To children whose family situation is troubled, we say, you yourself are no less for that. Challenges are at times an indication of the Lord’s trust in you. He can help you, directly and through others, to deal with what you face.”
Whatever the reason, it is a comfort to know that “a father of the fatherless, and a judge of the widows, is God in his holy habitation.” (Psalm 68:5)
Because we have a Heavenly Father, we are never truly fatherless.
Most of us grew up singing the simple primary song; I am a Child of God. It teaches us that important truth. We should cling to the thought that we do have a father who loves us. He weeps when we weep and comforts us when we hurt. On the rough days, when we miss our dad, God is aware. He knows our struggles.
This Father’s Day, remember your earthly father. Honor him and celebrate his life. As you do so, also turn your hearts to your Heavenly Father. Thank him for loving you, trusting you and guiding you. He is the ultimate father.
