God has promised you, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” – Hebrews 13:5b

This Sunday is Father’s Day. Let’s raise a glass to all the fathers who are crushing it! They show up at the little league games, dance recitals, and swim meets to check in, cheer on, and encourage their kids to play hard, push themselves, and get back up when they fall.

These are the dads who leave love notes on the kitchen counter before departing early in the morning while everyone else is still sleeping. They call before bedtime to say goodnight and promise to be home for Saturday’s soccer game. They read a tall pile of books on the couch, wrestle on the family room floor, and dress up like a super hero because their kids think they’re nothing less. They teach their sons and daughters how to change a flat tire, take Prom pictures in the pouring rain, wipe tears after the first break up, and shed their own before walking her down the aisle.

These are the fathers we are grateful for on Father’s Day and every day. These are the model fathers we point to and praise.

There is plenty or research confirming the importance of a father in a child’s life. According to a Psychology Today report:

Children who have an involved father are more likely to be emotionally secure, be confident to explore their surroundings, and, as they grow older, have better social connections. In addition, they have better verbal skills, intellectual functioning, and academic achievement

But if we’re honest, most of us don’t need this kind of research to tell us what we already know to be true. We all want loving and strong fathers in our lives and in the lives of our children and grandchildren.

But what about those of us whose father didn’t ever leave love notes, even when he left for good, doesn’t call us on our birthdays, and wouldn’t recognize his grandchildren if they knocked on his front door to sell them Girl Scout cookies? What about the fathers who died young or didn’t stick around after the positive pregnancy results?

What do the disappointed, abandoned, or rejected sons and daughters do on Father’s Day?

We can’t skip it, forget it, or pretend it doesn’t exist. But what we can do is look up and give thanks to our heavenly Father. He is the one who never leaves us, won’t stop loving us, and constantly cheers us on. He is a father to the fatherless and a shelter in our emotional storms. He made us on purpose… for a purpose. Let’s find our identity and worth in our Father who art in heaven. We are His chosen children, adopted and adored. And you are one of His favorite!

A while back, I wrote this love letter from God to a group of women who were struggling to accept His unconditional love. It seems fitting that this week prior to Father’s Day, I would share it with you. I pray you receive these words taken from God’s word and allow them to saturate your soul. Let them spur you on to celebrate your heavenly Father’s love – a love like no other – this Father’s Day.

God’s Love Letter to You

Precious Child,

I knit you together in your mother’s womb with my loving hands.

I gave you your first breath, and each one since.

I designed you uniquely with gifts, talents, and wonderful strengths.

I adore you completely.

You fall down often, but my strong hands lift you up.

You strive in your own strength, forgetting mine is endless.

You struggle to forgive yourself and others, yet I forgive you fully.

I love you unconditionally.

I hear your cries for help.

I know your needs before you shout.

I am your secret place in all the storms.

I long to rescue you safely.

When you wonder how much I love you, dear.

Look at the cross and see Jesus there.

I gave my only Son for you.

So live in my love daily.

I am your heavenly Father.

You are my precious child.

Together we can tackle any challenge.

I love you extravagantly.

3 O’Clock Circle - Two or more together sharing real life and relevant faith.

Read this week’s blog or listen to our podcast. Then discuss these 3 questions in your circle.

1. How would you describe your earthly father? Do you have any positive memories of his love? Share a few if you do.

2. In regards to your earthly and heavenly fathers, in what ways do you think a father’s love impacts our self-worth and confidence?

3. Reread God’s Love Letter to You. What part touches your heart and mind most deeply? Why so?

If you have any questions about our 3 O’Clock Circles, please let me know. You can email me at laura@3oclockwakeup.com.

Thank you for being a part of The 3 O’Clock Wake Up Movement

Everyone – Every Nation – Every Day. Thanking God at 3:00pm