can it be a happy day?

"As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him." Psalm 103:13

I panicked seeing the Father's Day commercial.  For a fleeting moment, i thought i had forgotten to mail Daddy's card. Then i had a rude reality awakening, and i remembered.  Daddy will not be looking for a card this year.

We experience first loves, first steps, first words... but not all firsts in life are pleasant, happy and exciting.  Following the loss of a loved one, all the first holidays without them is hard.  However, reflecting on our precious memories with them, we find reason to feel thankful.  When we experience a deep love for someone, it goes without saying, we also will experience a tearful heartache when we lose them.  And, i'll choose the pain of missing them tremendously every time over the emptiness of not ever knowing such a wonderful love.

If like me, you are facing a first special occasion without a loved one, you are in my heart and prayers.  I truly understand and share your hurt. And if you are one still blessed to have your daddy on earth this Father's Day, i rejoice with you.  May i urge you to hug your daddy tighter, laugh longer, talk more, gaze into his eyes one more time, and tell him how much you love him.  There is no way to prepare, understand or anticipate the loss when he is gone, but you can ease the grief, reduce regrets and increase your peace by loving on him while you can.

Instead of looking for a card, i think Daddy is tenderly watching me from Above in how i live.  It is my prayer he finds me loving more like him. Producing a life that reflects more of our heavenly Father and him will surely putting a crooked smile on his sweet, sweet face.

Thank you, Daddy, for loving me and our family and all your friends with your entire heart.  You are worth an endless sea of tears.

A good father makes for a happy, happy, happy heart... no matter where they are. 

we are loved and chosen by God,
may we live like we believe it,
veneal