To those who might be reading with less than an ideal dad

My loving kids booked a hotel room for my wife and I for Father’s Day. They know I love having my quiet time in the morning looking out onto the beautiful Vancouver mountains. Many years ago, we lived in this house that has a perfectly situated breakfast nook, where the morning sun shines through. My favorite thing to do is to read the bible and my favorite books with my cup of coffee before anyone was awake.The sun ray feels like our Father’s love embracing me and His face is turned towards me with a loving smile.

Looking out at the similar view today, I remember all those amazing memories our family has created over the growing up years. The time when I was studying for my CFA day and night pouring over formulas and economic concepts, my boys would help me by playing Monopoly Deal on my study breaks, to help me reset my mind. They were so little and cute then. They are now grown and pursuing their dreams today.I am so very proud of them as a dad.

Sitting around the hotel lounge and the hot tube last night, our kids gave me their thoughts on what makes a great family. Wonderful to know the values they grew up in will now be passed onto the next generation.I also share my greatest regrets and failures as a parent over the years with them.The obvious one is failing to save Jessica from cancer. Have I told you the stories about my oldest son being born in the parking lot, or me letting my second son sliding off a small hill on a bike to learn riding?

In my heavenly father’s eyes, these must have been crazy and foolish acts.Fortunately, we are all forgiven. Though I have failed to save Jessica, she is safe in His arms today on this special day, celebrating and worshiping our ultimate heavenly dad!Still remember Jessica asking Jane and I if we were going to be ok that she is going back to Jesus. Of course, not!I still wake up to memories of the last painful moments of her days on earth with great sorrow.But I did answer yes, and the Holy Spirit and our church family has been lifting us up in prayers so much, we know we are loved.

“Fear not, for I am with you, be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” ~ Isaiah 41:10

To my beloved Jessica, though dad has failed to go before you where you are or in your pain, our Jesus has carried you, comforted you and taken you in as His beautiful bride.

To my beloved kids, though dad fails from time to time and now you are independent and free, know that I will always be there for you wherever I can.But wherever I fail to be, Jesus’ got you.

To my beloved Jane, I love you so much.Thank you for being my best friend through the thick, the thin and the desperate times.

To those who might be reading with less than an ideal dad on earth, good or bad, all dads fail from time to time.Some more than others.Some might be a lot more than others.Know this, forgiveness is the greatest gift for your dad.The return will be even greater for you.The good news is, our Father in Heaven will always be there for us all, no matter how poorly we have failed, or our earthly father has failed us.

“For my father and my mother have forsaken me, but the Lord will take me in.” ~ Psalm 27:10