Grace and peace, church family.

A few years ago, I remember watching a video of a group of young children who were asked to define what a dad does. Sounds simple enough, right? One child responded, “He carries all the groceries in one trip.” Another said, “He’s great at killing spiders.” But my favorite answer? One child simply responded with the following: “He’s the guy who says, ‘Ask your mom,’ but then lets you eat the snack anyway.”

It’s funny how kids have this way of telling the truth, isn’t it? For all the quirks and quiet sacrifices, the role of father is often less about the big speeches and more about the faithful presence. The strength behind the scenes. The one who may not always know what to say but shows up anyway.

And if that is true for the best of our earthly fathers, how much truer is it of our heavenly Father?

The Apostle Paul wrote these powerful words: “The Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, ‘Abba, Father’” (Romans 8:15).

That word “Abba” is a significant one. It’s not formal or distant. It’s intimate. Personal. It is like a child reaching up, trusting that strong hands will catch them. The Father doesn’t push us away; it’s quite the opposite – He draws us close.

So, whether this Sunday brings memories of a great dad, grief for one who is gone, or pain from one who wasn’t there, be reminded of the Father whose love never wavers. Who knows us, sees us and calls us His own.

Even better? He still lets us eat the snack.

– Mark