As I was pondering today’s post I was reminded that Sunday is Father’s Day. I sometimes forget about Father’s Day because my dad died more than 11 years ago. The only grandfather I knew also died almost 10 years ago. So, in some ways, there isn’t anyone close to me with whom I would celebrate.
However, there is One who is the greatest Father of all time and who deserves our honor, worship and praise. I love that God, who is rich in mercy, gave us earthly fathers to show us a small glimpse of His goodness and care.
“Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!” Matthew 7:9-11 [NIV]
I know not all earthly fathers are good role models, but there are many great examples out there. My dad was one of them. There was nothing that he wouldn’t give up for his daughters. He wasn’t a man of many words, but he spoke truth and showed us love. He made many sacrifices through the years to provide for us and give us some of our dreams. I remember when he surprised my sister and me with a new car for us to take to college. After my sister graduated, I was able to keep that little tan Nissan and drove it for more than ten years!
When I think about the lessons I have learned on my stewardship journey, I often think of my dad. At an early age he and my mom taught us to give out of what we receive. I didn’t always want to give a part of my weekly allowance, but I did. He helped instill in me a sense of gratitude and giving back. I saw him make more and more choices to trust God with our family’s finances and I saw God bless us time after time.
More than that, I saw my dad grow in his faith in knowing God was going to provide, knowing he was doing what God called him to do in the area of finances. I found my own faith strengthened in the process.
So, on this Friday before Father’s Day, I say thanks to my earthly dad for setting the right example in so much of life. And I thank God and praise Him for His unchanging character and goodness through the thick and the thin.
Renae Nanney
Keynote
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