Best Dad Ever

I was a bit frustrated with Shutterfly’s choice of Father’s Day cards (although I love their products and often unleash my creativity on their site). Their card designs included texts such as: My Hero, #1 Dad, Best Dad Ever.

Probably everyone has a list. A list of what they wish their dad would have been like. That’s not slamming dads. After all, no one is perfect. Even as a mom who has tried to be and do the right things, I fall short in so many ways.

Best Dad Ever. Those words make me cringe. It’s impossible for someone to be the best. The best in the whole world, in all ages? I’ve received Mother’s Day cards with the same, only “Best Mom Ever.” The intention is good, but I know it’s not true.

We can say, “Well, my dad is the best dad for me.” I agree God gave us the exact parents he wanted us to have. But let’s look at “Best Dad Ever” from a different perspective.

Why would God allow sweet, vulnerable children to be parented by flawed fathers (or mothers)? I don’t know. But one reason might be so we would yearn for the Perfect Father, for God Himself.

A couple weeks ago I was reviewing John 15 as I was going to sleep. A realization so full of magnificence, yet so simple, came to me. I didn’t breathe. I didn’t move, as I held the precious truth close. In a deeper way than ever before, I sensed a Father’s love as I focused on John 15:9: As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love.

Read the verse again. Slowly. Thoughtfully. Soak in the truth. What does this say to you in relation to your desire for a daddy’s love?

To me, it says my heart need not long for a perfect father’s love. Jesus said he has loved me in the same way God loved him (perfectly, unconditionally, wholeheartedly, etc.).

I am loved with a Perfect Father’s love already. It is enough.

With no reservations, cringing, or second thoughts, I can honestly say of God the Father, “Best Dad Ever.”