Happy Father's Day

Tomorrow is Father's Day. In the past few years I have become increasingly aware of the variety of emotions any kind of holiday inspires in people. When life is good, holidays are good. But, when life stinks, well, who wants to celebrate that?

It makes sense, really. The original purpose of holidays (literally holy days) was to serve as a reminder. The Israelites had countless days that were set aside to remind the people of God's love, provision and goodness. Remember when God spared our firstborn children because of the mark he had told us to put on our doors (Passover)? Remember when God freed us from the Egyptians? Remember when God led us into the Promised Land? Never forget . . .

And so, our holy days remind us now - remember how God sent us His Son to save us? Remember how that Son overcame death? Remember the men and women who have given their lives for our freedom? Interesting how so many holidays have sacrifice at their core.

Then there are these holidays where we honor someone. Which is great. Until . . . the reminders become painful. Until your mom or dad (or even more tragically, your child) is gone. Until that first February after the divorce. Until the Christmas when no one can make it home.

And so, here it is for me . . . Father's Day. My father's physical body is still here, but the spirit is all but gone. Everything unseen that made him who he is has pretty much faded away. Last week, for the first time, he could not bring to mind the name he gave me.

I have a decision to make - as we all do when life hands us something we'd really like to fold our arms and refuse to take. But that is not an option. My choice is in my focus. What do I choose to celebrate? What do I choose to remember? What am I going to use to build my monuments?

I can dwell on that moment when I get a blank stare instead of the warm and loving "Hi, Deb!" that has been a constant in my life. (And it's okay, and even good, to shed a couple tears over that). But I will stubbornly focus on the millions of moments throughout my life when my father has looked at me like I was the best thing that ever happened to him. I celebrate the man who made me feel like I was the funniest, smartest, prettiest, most fun, lovable person to ever draw breath. And, best and most of all, I will live in eternal gratitude that he made it so easy to believe that there is another Father who will never forget me. I am engraved on the palms of His hands!

So, whether you had a great dad or not . . . whether you even knew your dad or not . . . you also can choose to focus on a Father who delights in you. He is there for the taking.

Happy Father's Day!!