Fathers: Walking Examples of a Living God

​“Daddy!” 
 
That word easily tumbles out of the mouth of a toddler as he runs to greet his father with a bear hug or spills out in the delighted squeal of a little girl as her father relentlessly tickles her tummy.  Whether it’s uttered in joyful abandon, frustrated anger, deep-hearted sorrow, unwavering trust, or warm affection from the lips of a child or adult, the connotation remains the same.  

​Then as the child grows and enters the teen years, the word often gets shortened to “Dad” in order to appear more mature and adult-like, but the sentiments behind the name remain the same.  It’s a term of endearment, a word that holds the promise of safety, protection, and love.  It’s a title most often used when the love of a father has been repeatedly tested and found steadfast and immovable. 
 
While a mother’s love is unconditional and never ending, the love of a father knows no bounds.  It willingly gives its life for the safety and well-being of its children and seeks to take upon itself the pain and suffering of a loved one.  Though fathers may not as openly express their love as mothers do, they love with the same level of selflessness, sacrifice, and steadfastness.  They are the cornerstone upon which the family unit is built, and hold one of the most life-impacting positions in the world.
 
Fathers wield much power in the shaping and development of their children, and thus, the future.  Each person has an innate desire to receive the approval and acceptance of their father.  It is a void that can only be filled by a daddy.*  When it is not met, that individual is forever impacted.  Just note the staggering rise of crime, dysfunction, and substance abuse in relationship to the rising number of fatherless families.  Fathers play an important role in the lives of their children! 
 
But while fathers have the potential to forever impact the lives of their children, daddies are the ones who actually do it.  Daddies maximize their position as the physical and spiritual leaders and cornerstones of their households.  They are the ones who seek close relationships with their children and lavish their unique, unconditional love upon them.
 
So thank you, Daddies, for making this word mean so much!  Thank you for all that you do and all that you are.  Thank you for living before us the love of our Heavenly Father.  And thank you for filling your God-given calling of fatherhood. 
 
To a little girl, you are her hero, her white knight in shining armor, and the living example of what she will eventually look for in a future spouse.  To your sons, you are the role model and standard of what is expected of a man.  And to all your children, you are a physical example of the living God.  You provide, protect, and care for your children with unwavering devotion and dedication.  You do so selflessly, without a thought of personal cost.  In your presence, we feel safe, cared for, and loved.  Because of you, our lives are forever changed!
 
Happy Father’s Day!

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*If you haven’t had the blessing of having a loving, devoted earthly father, go to your Heavenly One and let Him fill the needs of your heart.  He is more than ready to show you what “Daddy” really means.

"God is the archetypal Father; all other fatherhood is a more or less imperfect copy of His perfect fatherhood."
~ F.F. Bruce