Father’s Day is, in my opinion, one of the most important days of the year. Yet it comes and goes in just a single day. In a culture where many celebrations are stretched across weeks or even entire months, I sometimes wish we valued fathers with the same enthusiasm and intentionality.
As I reflect on this day, I also find myself reflecting on my own shortcomings.
I have not always been the best son. In truth, I was a real handful for both of my fathers. My earthly father was a good man—a hardworking, dependable provider who deserved far more appreciation and gratitude than I gave him. Looking back, I have no excuses. If I carry any significant regrets through life, it is that I did not cherish him and our relationship the way I should have.
The reality is that we were very much alike. We were both quiet, reserved men who believed our responsibility was to work hard and provide for our families. We were never the center of social gatherings, and neither of us seemed completely comfortable in them. We expressed love more through sacrifice than through words.
Because of that, we never fully connected in the way I wish we had. There was respect, but there was also distance. Time slipped away while we focused on responsibilities, careers, and daily life.
Family gatherings often felt routine rather than relational. It seemed that many people only reached out because the calendar said it was time—a holiday, a birthday, or another traditional occasion. Outside of those moments, communication was sparse. A quick text, a greeting card, or a brief phone call often replaced genuine connection. Sometimes our celebrations become little more than habits or muscle memory instead of heartfelt expressions of love.
As I considered this, I realized I had often treated my Heavenly Father in much the same way.
For many years, I approached the Lord Jesus primarily when I needed something. I prayed in times of trouble, sought Him in moments of uncertainty, and then returned to my busy life. I acknowledged Him on Christmas and Easter but failed to cultivate a daily relationship with Him. He was present, faithful, and waiting, while I was distracted by everything else.
That has changed.
Today, my greatest joy is spending quiet time with Christ each morning over a cup of coffee, reading His Word, praying, and simply being in His presence. I have learned that He desires a relationship, not just religious observance. He wants our hearts every day, not merely on special occasions.
So this Father’s Day, I want to honor both of my fathers.
To my earthly father: thank you for your sacrifices, your work ethic, your quiet strength, and the example you set even when I failed to recognize it. I love you, and I am grateful for everything you did to provide for our family.
And to my Heavenly Father, the Lord Jesus Christ: thank You for Your endless patience, mercy, and grace. Thank You for never giving up on me, even when I wandered. Thank You for pursuing me, forgiving me, and giving me new life and eternal hope.
May we all take this opportunity not only to celebrate the fathers who have shaped our lives but also to reach out while we still can. Make the phone call. Spend the time. Speak the words. Create memories that outlast a holiday.
Because one day, those opportunities may be gone.
💭 Reflection: The greatest gift we can give our fathers is not another card or another tie—it is our time, our gratitude, and our love while they are still here to receive it.
🙏 Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for every godly influence You have placed in our lives. Help us to honor our parents, cherish our families, and never take for granted the sacrifices made on our behalf. Most of all, draw us into a deeper relationship with You each day, not just on holidays or in times of need, but as faithful children who desire to walk closely with You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
IN Christ
Jeffrey Trester
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