Dear Dad,
Today is Father’s Day! Each year we set this day aside to honor our fathers and tell them how much we love them. My prayer is you know how much you are loved every day. From the moment you created me you have loved me with a never ending love. I have never known anyone else that loved me so profoundly. I wonder what you thought when you first saw me. What was the one thing which stood out to you?
From the time I was conceived, you have gone to great lengths to provide for my every need. You have made many sacrifices on my behalf to demonstrate my worth and value to you. No one else has ever owned my pain as theirs. Thank You for teaching me the difference between needs and desires. It has taught me to be grateful whether in plenty or want.
I love how you look at people from the inside out and are always looking for the good in them. Their past never matters to you because you love from where people are at, not where they were. Even when people have been cruel, called you names and spit on you, it never stopped you from loving them. You amaze me! You are patient and kind to everyone you meet and always welcoming them into your home. Whether they are tired, thirsty or hungry, you always meet their need.
We live in a world full of turmoil and chaos, yet you give me peace. Your words are always gentle, soothing, and encouraging to my soul. You remind me that I am never alone. When I’ve been selfish, prideful and arrogant, it has always been your words of wisdom which bring me back to you as the center of my being. For all the things I have done wrong you have never judged me, but always offered me grace and forgiveness. Neither of which I deserved, but you gave it anyway. You have never held it over my head or constantly reminded me when I have messed up and caused you heartache and great sorrow. You have only chastised me when you knew that my selfish choices were detrimental to my own well-being. Your love is like a mighty river that floods my soul with mercy, empathy, and compassion. In all of these things, you have taught me the importance of sharing all you have given me with my sisters and brothers. The things which have caused me hurt along the way, whether physical, emotional or spiritual are where you have captured my tears to use in the healing of my heart.
The wounds I felt as a child no longer hurt, but remind me of the scars you carry too. I know I’m part of the reason for your scars. It breaks my heart to know how badly I have hurt you, and the suffering and pain you had to endure on my behalf.
Thank you for being my biggest cheerleader! There have been times I wanted to give up, but you kept whispering to my heart, “You can do it!” When life has looked dark, you have always shined your light to help me find my way back to safety.
The older I become, the more precious you have become to me, and I want you to know no matter what happens in the crazy world I will always be on your side. You have given me many gifts, but the one I treasure the most is your love. Without your love I know I would wither up and die.
Please continue to teach, grow and guide me to be the best version of me. Remind me of the importance of not allowing petty things to consume me or hurtful words to nest into my soul. Help me to be more like you every day and help me die to my selfish ambitions. My heart’s desire is to honor you in every aspect of my life. I want to make you proud, so when you see me you can say, “Good job! Let’s Celebrate!”
But, most of all thank you for being the perfect father and loving me for eternity.
Love,
Sheila
This is a touching letter. Thanks for sharing something so personal!
Hi, Brittney,
Thanks for taking the time to read it!
It is nice to know that the God of the universe loves and cares for us. And that he has loved us since the beginning. That is a very comforting thought.
Hi, David!
It is a comforting thought to know how much we are loved. Happy Father’s day to you and I hope you had a wonderful day! It isn’t easy being a single parent, but there is no doubt you are a GREAT dad! Blessings to you!
This is such a sweet and heartfelt post. I remembered my dad while reading it. I love my dad too and glad t know you have an amazing dad too.
Thanks, Deepa! I am truly blessed and glad you are too!
Sounds like you have an amazing father who really did a great job guiding you to have a deep faith of your own.
Hi Jen,
I do have an awesome Father! He’s a good, good, Father who gave His very life for me. He guides me everyday to do His will and I love Him so much!
What a beautiful and thoughtful letter – also reminding us of the real Father from whom all fatherhood is derived. Thanks to God for Fathers.
Hi, Zim!
Actually the letter was written for my heavenly Father! I am thankful for a Father who loves all of us unconditionally! Thanks for your kind words.
L.o.l….somehow I interpreted it as written to both. My Sunday School kids wanted to know why we observe Father’s day in church since it is secular. I told them that it’s because it is pointing us to the ultimate Father – from whom all Fatherhood is derived.
What a lovely and heartfelt letter!
Thank You, Emily!
No matter how old I get, my parents provide me with that safe space and I know I can count on them no matter what. Loved your letter 🙂
Khushboo,
I understand what you are saying about your parents. I am so glad mine have always loved me at my best and worst. Thanks for reading my letter!
Absolutely beautiful! You took everything I feel and put it into words in such a beautiful way! I love this post, probably my favorite one of all the days posts!
Hi, Heather! Thank You for your very kind words. What an honor to be one of your favorites! I can be a little emotional…okay a lot emotional, but I’m glad you could feel my heart through this post!
Such an emotional letter Sheila! I’m myself a daddy’s girl and can relate every phrase of this letter with my dad as well! They are such an emotional support for us!
http://www.mommyinme.com
Hi, jhilmil! I’m glad you can relate to my letter. My dad is my biggest supporter and ancourager! Thanks for reading my letter!
This is such a heartfelt and lovely letter to your day! I’m sure he appreciates it.
Danasia,
I’m sure he does. I never want to miss the opportunity to tell people how much I love Him. He has made such a difference in my life.
Lovely – sadly I couldn’t say the same of my own father 🙁
Oh Andrea, but you could because the Dad I am talking about is our Father, God!
Amen! God is so good. He is the perfect Father, and I am so thankful that He loves me.
Beautiful letter, Sheila.