Father’s Day is one of those days. It strikes
each one of us differently. Some have fond memories of their childhood because
their Dad was the guy who played catch with them and then followed-up the fun
with a quick trip to DQ for a twist cone. Others have sketchy memories because
their childhood was dotted with moments of laugther and long periods without
Dad around. Still others had a father whose behavior was so offensive it didn’t
even endear him to a grace-giving child.
Looking past these quick caricatures of the
father you had—or didn’t have—is risky for any community of faith. The relationship
we had with our earthly father deeply influences our view of God, the way we
treat our spouse, the way we parent our own children, the way we view work, and
the way we view ourselves. (Just a few rather important things!)
Because of this, Father’s Day gives you a
starting point for some rich discussion for your next small group meeting. Likely,
this discussion won’t be easy, but it could be a discussion that just might
open up deeper realities about the people and the stories represented in your
small group community.
As you move into this disucussion, encourage your
group members to consider the words of James about the consistent nature of our
heavenly Father.
“Every
good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the
heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.”
James
1:17
Earthly fathers impact each one of us deeply—some
help, some hurt, some harm. In the face of our own personal experience, strive
to help your small group engage with the reality of their fatherly experience.
And then, turn to the steady trustworthy character of our Heavenly Father.
