Father’s Day is – for the most part a celebration in our home.  My wife and I both lost our dads to terminal illness and miss them greatly, but they were great examples and we have many great memories.  Father’s Day was tough for a few years for us, but with the passing of time things have gotten better.

However, some people we know struggle with Father’s Day.  Scripture says we are to rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep.  So we celebrate Father’s Day with those who rejoice and we weep with those who struggle on this special day.

To those of you who lost your dad’s this past year we grieve with you.   To those of you who lost your dad in previous years, we also grieve with you because like us we know many of you still feel that emptiness.

To those of you who have your first child this year, we celebrate with you.  To those of you who lost a child this year, our hearts are broken for and with you.  To those who lost a child in previous years we grieve with you too because that loss never goes away.

To those of you who have a strained relationship with your dad; maybe he was abusive, maybe he abandoned you, maybe he never told you he loved you or was proud of you — we don’t understand either and we pray you’ll experience God’s healing and peace.

To those dads who are trying to lead blended families, we pray for courage and wisdom for you as you try to navigate what can be very difficult paths.

To those dads who have a strained relationship with your children, or you’ve had a child run away, we hurt with you.

To those dads who are foster fathers or you are spiritual fathers to children who are not your own, we’re proud of you and need you.

Whatever your experience – as best we know how in our church family – we care about you.   We want to rejoice with you when you rejoice and weep with you when you weep.