Happy Father’s Day!

I recognize that not everyone has a great relationship with their father. Father wounds are real and can run deep. But no matter your story, I want to gently encourage you this Father’s Day: take a moment to reflect on your father and try to identify at least one thing he gave you as a gift. For some, the list will be long. For others, it may take effort and grace. Still, Scripture calls us to honor our fathers (Exodus 20:12), and sometimes that begins with choosing to see even a single thread of goodness in a complicated relationship.

At the time of this writing, my father is deceased. I was fortunate. He lived to be almost 98 years-old. I miss him in my life. He gave me so much—some of it I recognized early, some I’ve come to appreciate more with time.

I carry so many fond memories of my dad. He was hardworking, steady, strong, and fun. He taught me lessons I didn’t even know I was learning at the time.

The Joy of Adventure

My dad taught me how to have fun, how to relax, and how to explore. Every summer, our family would load up the big Buick and hit the open road, discovering America one roadside attraction at a time. Some stops were cheesy, sure—but most were filled with awe, laughter, and the joy of being together. He gave us the gift of seeing the world beyond ourselves.

The Gift of Presence

He was present. My dad showed up—to every recital, every school play, every music competition. Even when he nodded off during long piano recitals (and we noticed!), he was there. He endured the nightly practice of three musically ambitious children and never once complained. His message was clear: What mattered to us mattered to him.

The Power of Encouragement

My dad pushed me to grow. At times, it felt like too much, but I always knew his heart. He wanted more for me—more opportunity, more freedom, more education than he had. He believed deeply in the power of learning and hard work. And I am who I am today, in part, because he believed in me before I believed in myself.

A Legacy of Faith

Perhaps most importantly, my dad passed down a quiet but unwavering faith. He never sought the spotlight, but he served the church faithfully—teaching Sunday school, fixing things no one else noticed, and offering quiet wisdom. He modeled humility, perseverance, and a deep love for the body of Christ, even when church life was messy. When conflicts arose, we stayed. We worked through them. That’s what commitment looked like to him.

Imperfect but Important

No earthly father is perfect. Mine wasn’t. Yours wasn’t either. But this Father’s Day, whether you’re planning a special dinner, buying a new tie, or simply saying a quiet prayer, take time to reflect on what your father gave you—the good, the hard, and everything in between. Sometimes, the greatest gifts come wrapped in ordinary moments.

And if your earthly father left you more pain than joy, remember this: You have a Heavenly Father who loves perfectly, who heals deeply, and who never leaves. That is the Father whose love restores and redeems every broken story.

What did your father give you?
Even one small thing can be the seed of gratitude—and a step toward healing.