Christian Father's Day Message - Being Thankful for our Dads

In honor of Father’s Day this coming weekend, let’s take a moment and find gratitude for our own fathers. I realize that very statement might conjure up painful memories of your father. But, for the vast majority of us, we have at least something that our fathers did (or still do) which we appreciate about them. As a Christian, Father’s Day can be an opportunity to be thankful for our fathers, and even more thankful for a perfect Heavenly father.

I have a number of things I can thank my dad for:

He taught me how to be an engaged volunteer with his efforts in our youth sports program and on the Kentucky Derby Parade
My dad set an example as a networker who was always happy to connect people to jobs and opportunities
He does home projects with excellence and passion, and I learned some of those skills from him

The Deckmaster

At the writing of this post, he’s helping me on a project at my home. Our wooden deck off the back of our house is really struggling. More accurately, it already struggled. It’s dead. It cruised past disrepair and is now rapidly becoming a full-fledged safety hazard.

A couple weeks ago, my dad was at our house and I mentioned my plan to repair it this summer. Without being asked, he took some time that following week to run to Lowe’s and price out various pieces of lumber I’ll need. Then, he drew up some ideas for the fence. A few days later, he called me with even better ideas.

On this project, he’s a great helper and idea guy. Even as he’s aged, he’s tried to be an engaged father to the best of his ability. And when it’s time to start sawing and drilling, he’ll gladly strap on the tool belt and get after it alongside me.

We all have things about our Fathers we might like to change. If only we had a time machine and could control other people. Man, wouldn’t that be something?

But, we don’t. So, we might as well find that thing – or those many things – about our fathers that can inspire us toward thankfulness.

Mining Positives

Maybe your father worked all the time, but he covered that expensive private education. Perhaps your dad created family friction through his poor choices, but he was there to teach you to drive. Or, your dad might’ve struggled with alcohol, but he had a great sense of humor.

If you’ve never taken the time to dig through your memories of your father and find a few that bring you joy, let today be that day. You may be surprised what you unearth.

If you’re an adult who wants to be an intentional father, it can help to walk through this exercise. Seeing the positives of our fathers can help us in our own fathering efforts.

Then, if your father’s still alive, reach out to him and express your gratitude. Even a short text message could bring a huge smile to his face.

And, just in case you need a bit more motivation, consider this. One day, you might want your own sons and daughters to do the same for you. In the gratitude game, the saying tends to bear out: what comes around goes around.

Happy Fathers Day.

About the Author: Ryan Sanders

Ryan Sanders is the Director of Outreach at Manhood Journey. He is married to Tonia and they have three children. He is currently a doctoral student at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary where he received the Master of Divinity. He is a Fellow at The Colson Center for Christian Worldview and serves as Lay Pastor at McLean Bible Church in Washington, D.C.