When I say fathers, I mean to say all fathers everywhere on Earth and in Heaven.
Let us put some thought towards the upcoming Father's Day and see what Spirit has for us, what Father teaches, expects and wants of us.
When I think of the word 'Father', I think of the prayer I learned as a child that begins with 'Our Father in Heaven'. Truly, God is our Father, the Father of all mankind and of all faiths or none. David said in the psalms, "From whence does my strength come" as he prayed to the Father. David also spoke in the favorite 23rd Psalm, 'my cup runneth over', recognizing that all God's power, strength, courage, creativity and benevolence fills my cup and runs over. Jesus also spoke of the cup when he was at Gethsemane. Three times he prayed about the cup that his Heavenly Father had given him. He also said, "not my will, but Thy Will be done". Knowing that Father knows best.
You may remember or have heard of an old radio and TV show called "Father knows best" with Robert Young. This was a rosy portrayal of the family, in the 50s and 60s where Father was the ruler or so he thought. TV provides fictitious characters and roles of fathers, but it helps us to remember the best of Dad.
How do you see Father? Maybe you see Dad as the protector, the provider, having courage, strength and integrity. "As in heaven, so on Earth". These attributes are of our Divine Father. There are so many things our fathers give us. Even when they don't give us what we want, may be the best thing for us.
Fathers always have expectations for us and wants for us to do the best and have the best. Sometimes what we think is best is not. They often challenge us and lift us up. There are times when we are asked to trust God and give up what we have for something that we even don't know the benefit or outcome. Jesus at Gethesemene, spoke of the trust that was expected of him when he prayed and said "My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away, unless I drink it, may your will be done" (Matthew 26 42). Transformation and a legacy of thousands of years were the gifts from taking the cup of Spirit and drinking. Our earthly fathers have given us gifts as well. Be thankful and gracious as your father has been.
Celebrate and honor your Father, on Earth and in Heaven. You have taken from the cup given you. Think of ways this week to celebrate Father's Day with your Father. If he is in Spirit with our Heavenly Father, give him your prayers for thanks and gratitude. Pass on the blessings your have received and lift others up as you have been lifted up.
You are loved and blessed.
