Beloved families and friends of Christ Conyngham Lutheran Church,
We find ourselves celebrating fathers in the month of June. Â The great Satchel Paige once said, âHow old would you be if you didnât know how old you wereâ? Â I think I would transport myself back to the age of 12 (with the provision that I could be on our boat with my dad fishing in the Ocean City Bay crabbing).
Fatherâs Day provides colorful images of the past for many of us. Â It might also be a difficult time for many of Godâs precious children.
There is a threefold message for this month. Â Let us be praying for those who did not have a father or did not have a father that provided fond memories. Â Let us pray for those who have lost their fathers and for the men that would have loved to have been fathers but could not.
I love the Proverbs verse. Â We can read it with a âuniversalâ children understanding. Â The care and love of a father figure is essential for ALL of Godâs children. Â There are MANY astute writers that line library bookshelves that prove this with statistics and family histories.
Let us like to lift up all that have provided fatherly care to and for children this month. It is a privilege and a blessing to be called to this vocation. Â Teaching children who God is by their word and witness is a gift that remains with them for a lifetime. Â
The hymn âThis is My Fatherâs Worldâ is not âpolitically correctâ in many churches. Â I do not; however, want us to forget some of the beautiful lyrics from this hymn. Â âThis is my Fatherâs world, and to my listening ears. All nature sings and round me rings the music of the spheres. This is my Fatherâs world: I rest me in the thought, of rocks and trees and skies and seas; His hands the wonders wroughtâ.
It is my most sincere hope that we continue to honor and appreciate all who provide fatherly care. Â We are all created in Godâs image. Â May all of you continue to mirror Godâs words and actions as you continue in this most blessed vocation.
Peace be with you on this Fatherâs Day and always,