Father’s Day always reminds me of what matters most in life. It brings many cherished things to the front and centre of my mind, as well as challenges to ponder in my lifelong parenting apprenticeship. Today I breathe in deep and appreciate the sheer joy, privilege and delight of being a father. I celebrate the uniqueness of each of the children in my tribe; none of them perfect, but all authentic human beings with so much potential. 

Father’s Day also reminds me of my human frailty. It humbles me. It reminds me of parenting failures, mistakes, shortcomings and sorrows. After all these years of parenting, I still often get things wrong and there are many lessons to keep learning from.

Like so many dads today, I celebrate the joy of being a father, but I know I am certainly a work in a progress. And so, I draw strength and courage from the love, loyalty, forgiveness, grace and encouragement all my kids extend to me. And most of all, I am thankful for a loving God who never gives up on me – or any dads reading this post today. Maybe that’s something to take hold of afresh in your life today – God hasn’t give up on you as a Dad and your parenting potential!

I appreciate some dads reading this today may find themselves in very difficult places.  I don’t pretend to know your challenges nor underestimate your journey, but I would like to encourage you. You’re not alone, and I would be happy to chat to any who needs a listening ear – as I know others would as well. 

Let me encourage you [as I speak these words into my own life] don’t define your parenting by its past. And don’t let your imperfections paralyse you as a dad. Today let’s tell our kids that we love them and why. And if that physically is impossible for you – do something positive and think of a way the creatively you can communicate how you’re feeling about your kids today.

Maybe today is a day to bravely make the first move in addressing a strained relationship. Maybe its a day to offer forgiveness or extend it.

Maybe it’s a day to finally let go of unrealistic expectations placed on your child.

Maybe it’s a day to be free from things that have weighed you down as a dad.

Maybe it’s a day to review priorities, diaries and aspirations.

Maybe it’s a day to let your hair down and do something with your kids you haven’t done for a long time. 

Dad’s let use today – to look beyond school Father’s Day stall gifts – and resolve to keep going the distance as fathers; to embrace afresh the responsibility and privilege of being a dad, to recommit to continual learning, growing and change.

Today – let’s be very thankful for our kids and seek each day to model to them to the embracing, accepting, compassionate, generous and just love of Jesus. Let’s keep talking to them and engaging them in things that matter, in a world that seeks to seduce them with consumerism and flawed views of success and greatness.

Maybe like me today is a time to catch your breath, give thanks, embrace hope and redouble your commitment to being the best you can be for your kids.

And as I do that I always challenged by Gary Vaynerchuk’s powerful reminder: “Please think about your legacy, because you’re writing it every day.”

Happy Father’s Day!