A Norvell Note for June 20, 2021
Vol. 24 No. 24
A Father’s Day Unlike Any Other
For as long as I can remember, part of my Father’s Day tradition has included watching as much of the U.S. Open Golf Tournament. If I can, I watch it live, but I record it to watch it later. The championship is over, and I did watch it (at least some), but this Father’s Day is unlike any other.
I have received several notes wishing me a Happy Father’s Day and was a good day. But this was a Father’s Day unlike any other. I thought of my dad and so many men who have taught me about being a dad. I am honored to be a dad. I am grateful for the many great dads I know. A significant part of my understanding of God and the meaning of being His child comes mainly from being a dad.
I remember standing in front of a group of teenagers and adults not long after becoming a dad (almost forty years ago), telling the story of Abraham and Isaac to illustrate faith, God’s love for His children. I was rocking along until I got to the part where Abraham laid Isaac on the altar, and it hit me like a ton of bricks. In mid-sentence, I could not speak. I struggled to control my emotions. That’s how much God loves us.
Since that Saturday night, most Father’s Days had surprises, favorite foods, gifts, and emotion, but this was a Father’s Day that was unlike any other. This one was different.
Along with Happy Father’s Day wishes, I also received notes, calls, and messages reminding me how many people are praying for our family and me on this Father’s Day. Many ask, “How are you?” Like the pause in my teaching to those teenagers, I search for a response. “I’m okay.” “I’m doing as well as I can, I suppose.” “I’m not real sure.” “I’m struggling.”
Perhaps the best and most accurate answer comes from these lines in Steven Curtis Chapman’s song, Hallelujah, You Are Good, say it best.
We are standing in between
Hope and despair
Believing in Your grace
And the faith to declare
You are with us
Hallelujah
Hallelujah, You are good
So, to all the fathers, dads, stepdads, substitute dads out there, grandpas, and papas, I hope your Father’s Day was unlike any other. Remember He is with you, and He is good.
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