Happy Fathers Day

As I scanned through the quotes about Fathers Day on Google images, instead of finding inspiration, I found a broken heart. While seeking a nice message about my dad in heaven to post on Facebook,  I began to feel the emptiness of not having my dad.   As I get older, I feel more and more ripped off. I knew my father for such a short time. I was 8 when he died. I remember the day as if it was yesterday. The empty feeling and lack of understanding is still familiar.  My mom did her best to keep all of our spirits up, all 7 of us, and she did an amazing job. We knew he went to heaven, which took away some of the sting.   I know dad must have loved the Lord. He was the reader every Sunday at our church. I don't remember him ever missing. He had struggles, but my mom loved him still. 
As a child, I remember feeling crummy as the other kids made Fathers Day cards and crafts. There were 3 of us in the class without dads. We shared the heartache silently. I understood and so did they that we were different. As I grew from a girl into a young lady, I always felt a void, but did not realize until later in life how the lack of a father affected so much of who I was.  I know that I tried to fill that emptiness with unhealthy relationships and dating choices.
So, although this sounds like a pity party for me, it is not.( Well, maybe it's a little one.) It is so much more. As my relationship with Christ grows, and I learn more about the sovereignty of God, I take comfort knowing that God had his reasons for taking my dad so young. And I know that God was with mom, my siblings and me. He never left us. We were cared for on every level. Yes, there were tough times, but the love in our family was abundant. 
I miss my dad. I certainly miss the years we were unable to share. I am sad still, but find solace knowing I will see him on that last day. I have so many things I want to ask him. But I won't need to be in a hurry. We will have eternity to make up for lost time. 

In the meantime, I will continue to rely on the love of my Heavenly Father, who is the father to the fatherless.He is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer,my God,my rock in whom I take refuge,my shield and the horn of my salvation,my stronghold.Psalm 18:2
                   
                    Happy Fathers Day, Dad. Until we meet again.