Daddy has been gone for 38 years, and I haven’t bought a Father’s Day card in all that time. One grandfather died decades before I was born, one died in 1968 when I was in high school, and my husband and I don’t have children – so I figured there was no reason to even think about a card.
Oh, I know, I could have given one to a brother-in-law or a cousin or someone else whose fatherly role I admire. Lots of folks do that. Maybe you have.
But I didn’t, and that’s OK. I’m not sad about it.
This year, though, I did decide to give a card. Not one that I purchased, however. I decided to craft my own card. A message to the ultimate father.
God.
Some folks might think it’s strange, or even irreverent, to write a Father’s Day card to God. But for me, it’s a way of expressing gratitude and love to the one who gave me life – as he has done for every human. It’s also a way to show appreciation to the one who sustains me every day.
Yes, as God’s child, I want to honor and thank him for all he has done for me and for the world. So here is my Father’s Day greeting to God, my Father, the creator of the universe and the lover of my soul:
Dear God,
You are the definitive Father, the source of all life, love and wisdom. You have created me in your image and likeness, and you have given me a purpose and a destiny. You have blessed me with your presence, your guidance and your grace.
You have forgiven me when I have sinned – and I have sinned greatly. You have comforted me when I suffered, and you have strengthened me when I faced challenges. You have never left or forsaken me, even when I rebelled against you. You have always been faithful, loyal and compassionate.
You are also the Father of all humanity, the Lord of all creation. You have made this diverse and magnificent – even though fallen – world for us to enjoy and steward. You have given us free will and responsibility, but also your laws and your commands.
You have shown us your justice and your mercy, your holiness and your love. You have sent us your son, Jesus Christ, who died for our sins and rose again for our salvation. You have poured out your Spirit upon those who have accepted him, empowering us to be your witnesses and your servants. You have promised believers a glorious future, with no more pain, sorrow or death.
You are the Father that I need. That we need. The perfect role model, the best teacher. You are the one who knows me better than anyone else, who understands me more than I do myself, who loves me more than I can imagine. You are the one who challenges me to grow, who encourages me to hope. You are the one who fills my life with joy, peace and meaning.
So for Father’s Day, I want to say thank you, God. Thank you for everything that you are and everything that you do. Thank you for loving me eternally.
I love you too, God.
Your grateful child,
Sallie Rose
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Do you have a song in your soul that longs to be sung? If so, you’re invited to visit with my chorus – Piney Hills Harmony, a local chapter of Sweet Adelines International – during our upcoming guest nights/vocal improvement sessions. No matter what your level of experience or ability, you will find a place to belong and grow.
You’ll have the opportunity to learn from skilled vocal instructors as well as sing with a welcoming and encouraging group of vocalists. The free two-night event is planned for Thursday, June 15, and Thursday, June 22, at 6:30 p.m. in the fellowship hall of the Presbyterian Church of Ruston, 212 N. Bonner. Guests may attend one or both nights. Pre-registration is not required.
Don’t miss this chance to discover the joy of singing and the blessing of fellowship.
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Sallie Rose Hollis lives in Ruston and retired from Louisiana Tech as an associate professor of journalism and the assistant director of the News Bureau. She can be contacted at sallierose@mail.com.
