The Goodness and Love of my Father

When goodness and love fill a father’s gigantic heart…

With Father’s Day approaching, childhood memories remind me how blessed I am to say I had a kind and generous dad. The goodness and love of my father extended way beyond the needs of my mom, me, or my sisters. He commuted from his job in NYC to the upstate mountains every weekend so mom could spend the entire summer gardening and entertaining friends while my sister and I hiked abandoned trails, explored meadows, and swam in frigid streams. Dad’s love of the outdoors and knowledge of the Adirondack Mountains encouraged and nurtured meaningful relationships with us—and especially God. While I enjoyed our hikes and wildlife or gem searches, his grandsons, nephews, friends, and colleagues also knew him as a genuine sportsman. He’d often joke about how God was busy preparing a cabin on a mountaintop in heaven for him. If I close my eyes, I still see his smile. These are some of the moments I cherish as I remember the goodness and love of my father. 

In the fear of the LORD one has strong confidence, and his children will have refuge.

Proverbs 23:22 ESV

 The goodness and love of our Father

Over the years, I’ve learned some of the best legacy stories are those of self-sacrificing goodness and selflessness. My father left us so much more than earthly treasure when he passed away. He left his family a legacy of love and integrity. But this story is not only about my dad. It’s about how everything he did always pointed to his Heavenly Father’s love for us. Today, I’m reminded of Jesus’ sacrifice of self, and the incredible goodness and love of our heavenly Father.

And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is

Ephesians 3:18 NLT

A man after God’s heart

I’m thankful God gives us new mercies every day. His goodness is beyond our comprehension. I’m blessed to say, in addition to living life with a wonderful earthly father, my husband is also a blessing to our four sons and a sweet grandpa to four grandchildren. He’s a man who follows God’s heart.

Looking to and running after our Father’s heart

We’re living in a world where everything is uncertain. Life has changed so much. However, there is one certainty that remains: God’s love for his children. We can choose to be men and women who follow our Father’s heart with fervor. Here are a few things we can do:

• Desire wisdom, truth, and integrity above popularity
• Draw close to him
• Seek to please God rather than people
• Remember who HE is

I have taught you the way of wisdom; I have led you in the paths of uprightness. When you walk, your steps will not be hampered, and if you run, you will not stumble.

Proverbs 4:11-12 ESV

Happy Father’s Day

On this Father’s Day, when we’re all celebrating Dad, I hope we take a moment to thank the one who created him. I want to always remember how much God loves us–flawed and broken as we all are. God knows we aren’t perfect. That’s where grace comes in. For life and love and happiness, all come from the heart of the only One who loved us first. I believe Jesus is, and is at, the heart of God. If he is the way, the truth, and the life, then knowing God’s heart is only possible through knowing his son. That’s His way. Although we’re unworthy, our inheritance of heaven is in the goodness and love of our Father.

Dear friends,

I pray this note finds you and your family healthy, happy, and safe. Do you have fond memories of your dad? If so, please know your stories matter. Don’t forget to join the conversation here in the Inspire A Fire comments section below this post. May all our praise be for his glory.  ~ Joann

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Special thanks: All free use images courtesy of Pixabay. ~ Feature image MabelAmber, #1 Couleur, #2 Pexels, #3 Kranich17