Editor’s Note: This poem inspired by Paul Harvey’s “So God Made a Farmer.”
Last year, I wrote this poem for my eighty-five-year-old Dad for Father’s Day. He claims it’s the best Father’s Day gift he’s ever received (which thrills me, but sort of frustrates my siblings J LOL). I hope you enjoy it.
So God Made a Father
At the dawn of time, God looked down on all He had made and said, “Now, I need a caretaker.”
So, God made a father.
God said, “I need someone to teach children to fish, and to ride a bike without training wheels, and to play catch in the backyard. It must be someone who’s tough enough to run a chainsaw and wield a machete and yet, gentle enough to join his little girl and her dolls for tea.”
So, God made a father.
“I need someone to bring the car around when it’s raining, so everyone else can stay dry. Someone who will keep jumper cables in his truck, just in case he needs to help a stranger. I need someone to notice practical things, like how the tread on the tires is wearing and if the weather stripping around the front door needs replacing, for no one else will.”
“I’ll create someone who’s strong enough to open a tightly sealed jelly jar and tall enough to place the angel on top of the Christmas tree. Someone who will be gracious enough to let his son fish the best fishing hole or to let his daughter win at least one hand of gin rummy.”
“Yes, he will struggle to find his glasses and keys,” God thought. “But I’ll help him find time for the important things, like tumbling with the kids in the den floor, or saying ‘I’m proud of you, son,’ or giving Mama a hug.”
So, God made a father.
God said, “I need someone brave enough to carve the Thanksgiving turkey, for no one else seems to want the job. Someone who’s not afraid to go into Grandma’s dark cellar, or to check on what goes bump in the night, or to remove the dead mouse from the mousetrap.”
“I need someone wise enough to know when to let his child fail. Someone who will pick her up, dry her tears and say, ‘Honey, I know you can do it! Give it another try.’”
“I need someone who listens more than he talks. Who will stand by his family through laughter and tears, tornadoes and snowstorms, good times and bad. Someone who will love his kids and love their mother even more.”
So, God made a father.
God said, “I need someone to provide for the family. Someone who will get up early and stay up late and never complain. I need someone who’s willing to make unpopular decisions and stand by them. Someone to provide authority and discipline, as well as love.”
“I need someone with broad shoulders, broad enough to carry a little child around town and broad enough to pull more than his fair share. Yes, I need someone who will work the second-shift, or take second-best, or play second fiddle, so that his family can have it better than he did.”
“I need someone who is willing . . . willing to man up and provide the love, support and strength his family will so desperately need.”
So, God made a father.
“Sometimes, he will not feel worthy of the love his family gives him. There will be times when he fails to live up to my ideal standard. But when his family needs him, he will show up, or give up, or do whatever needs to be done.”
“Yes, that’s exactly what I need,” thought God as He shook His head. “A father to love my children, and if necessary, to lay down his life for them. Someone . . . well, someone like Me.”
So, God made a father.
*****
Photo Credit: ©Unsplash/Brittani Burns
He is the first hero a little child will ever know.
His influence lasts much longer than his life.
He is an earthly portrayal of the Heavenly Father.
On Father’s Day, our nation will pause to celebrate our fathers. But it might be difficult for you to celebrate because your father is no longer around. Or maybe your relationship with your father is broken, or not what you hoped it would be.
Even if you can’t celebrate with your earthly father on Father’s Day, you can still celebrate with your Heavenly Father.
If you belong to God, then you have a great Father. And because you are His, you can never be called fatherless. The Lord even gave you His name to wear. Wear it with pride. You are a treasured member of His family.
This Father’s Day, you can celebrate God’s promises to you:
- He will never leave you or abandon you. Heb. 13:5
- God has reserved a place for you at His table. Eph. 2:6
- He will give you strength when you’re weak. Is. 40:29
- The Lord will love you always. Ps. 118:1
- God will protect you. 2 Thess. 3:3
- He will help you keep going. Ps. 54:4
- The Lord will comfort you in hard times. Ps. 23:4
- He will give you everlasting life. Jn. 6:40
This Father’s Day, remember to honor your Heavenly Father, first. Then be sure to honor your earthly father (or a father you love). Here are a few ideas:
- Give your father a hug and a heartfelt thank you.
- Overlook your differences. Extend him grace and understanding.
- Make a call or a visit. (This video will inspire you.)
- Surprise your Dad with his favorite chocolate cake.
- Send a Father’s Day card telling your Dad that you love him. Place the poem above* in the card.
*For a free printable of the poem above, click here.
Photo Credit: ©Unsplash/Humphrey Muleba
May Patterson has been writing and teaching Bible study classes for years. Recently she released her first book, “Seeking a Familiar Face.” Now, she has just released its companion Bible study workbook. May trained in small group dynamics for over ten years with Bible Study Fellowship, serving as a leader for four years. She has written for various magazines including Focus on the Family, Upper Room Magazine and iBelieve, and is a sought-after public speaker. May is married to her dear friend, Mike, and they have three grown children. She loves to tell stories, laugh, and talk about the adventure of seeking God. Read more from May by visiting: http://www.maypatterson.com.