I thumped my books down on my teacher’s desk in frustration. I had barely made it through Algebra, and now I was blankly staring at geometry proofs that made no sense. I had never been much of a crier, but for whatever reason this foray into advanced math had turned the emotional tables in my life. I was on the verge of waterworks. To make things worse, my teacher almost looked as if he were going to laugh at my overreaction.
He leaned forward on his elbows and spoke. “I know right now you are thinking that this struggle through geometry is worthless. You are probably thinking you’ll never use this in life. Maybe you won’t, but you will for sure use the character that you are building by conquering a subject that is this difficult for you. You will need character to be a successful adult—in pursuing a career, in succeeding in a marriage, in raising children, and in being a good Christian.” He sat back in his chair, as if expecting my answer.
“Well, you can scratch marriage and kids off of that list because I doubt that will happen,” I replied in simpering teenage fashion.
He laughed, “Yes, you will certainly get married one day! Why would you think you wouldn’t?”
“Have you met my dad?! No guy will ever measure up to him. I can’t marry anyone that isn’t as amazing as my dad or that I cannot respect as much as I respect him. Plus, whoever is a husband candidate better be mighty strong to handle this personality!” I pointed at myself.
“Yes, but God already knows that,” he answered. “He knows what you need, and you will have to trust Him to pick the guy as great as your dad and as tough as nails to handle you! However, let’s start praying now that this poor man won’t dare try to teach you geometry!”
For years, I have thought back on that conversation from twenty-five years ago and considered how correct my teacher had been. He rightly predicted that I would find the perfect guy, custom made just for me. God kept bringing my husband and I back together throughout college until we realized “we” were meant to be. It has always been evident that God knew exactly what I would need in a husband. Besides, I have been able to respect my husband through these almost twenty years as much as I have respected my wonderful dad, and my husband undoubtedly is tough enough to slow me down in my train-wreck moments of life!
I grew up with the “perfect” father. I do not say perfect meaning that he never made a bad decision, never misspoke, or never mishandled a situation. He was and still is human, after all! No, I mean that he was the perfect father FOR ME. God knew exactly what I would need in a dad. He knew I would need his soft but strong hand of steady leadership. God knew I needed the dad who rarely raised his voice in anger but could give that “eye” that spoke volumes! He knew I would need someone who laughed at life when it got a little overwhelming and never held grudges or hard feelings. He knew I needed to be raised by a man who was an expert at letting people be people and being the first to forgive.
I have many friends who did not have what they would consider to be the “perfect” father. Some have had fathers who were completely absent from their lives. Some have endured a poor and hurtful relationship with their earthly fathers which forced them to disconnect the relationship for their health and safety. Some may still have a relationship with their fathers, but it is what society calls “dysfunctional” even in the best of times. However, most of these friends, if not all of them, have had a “father” in their lives who has helped to raise them. For some, it was a pastor or another person in their church family who helped to counsel and guide them when they needed fatherly wisdom. Some were blessed with a wonderful grandfather or uncle who stepped up to fill that role in their lives. Some have found joy in celebrating Father’s Day by watching their husbands display Christian fatherhood to their own children.
On this Father’s Day, as you are celebrating your father, whether he is a biological father or an adopted father—grandfather, uncle, husband, or church family member—remember that your Heavenly Father chose YOU. The King of kings chose you to be born into His family. You are the daughter of the greatest Father Who could have been and ever will be. His love is greater than the love given from any earthly father. He will never leave you. He will protect you in the darkest of dark times. He will comfort you when your heart breaks. He will give you that peace that passes all understanding.
If today is a tough day because of loss, broken dreams, or unrealized dreams, turn to your Heavenly Father. He loves you—His daughter—and welcomes you with open arms. Let His love shine through you and give you peace today.
Happy Father’s Day to the amazing men in our lives and to the greatest Father—our Heavenly Father!
Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God:… – I John 3:1a
by Tracie S. Burns
Thank you for sharing your heart and these little nuggets of truth that draw our hearts closer to our Heavenly Father, stirring us to love Him, even more!