I just want to be enough

It’s Father’s Day weekend, which for you is not so great because it’s just another reminder that your dad never visits, never calls. Even though you do a good job of acting like it doesn’t bother you, I know that it does. Maybe not all the time, but especially at those times that are supposed to be meaningful Father/Child events.

The aching question from the father-empty heart of every fatherless child is, “Why? Why doesn’t he have anything to do with me?”

I’m not going to start to list the possible reasons for “why” because it’s pointless. It won’t make you feel any better. Just know this: IT IS NOT YOUR FAULT. It has nothing to do with you. He would be just as irresponsible with anyone else who was his child.

What you feel this weekend actually has a name. It’s called “Father hunger.” It’s a craving every child has to have their dad involved in their life. It’s impossible for me to completely fill that emptiness. I just want to be enough; enough that your hunger pains won’t keep you awake at night hugging a tear-stained pillow.

I know I’m not your dad, and I don’t want to be. But I do want to always be there for you, to always love you, to protect you, and to guide you. I just want to be enough to make a difference in your life.

My love for you is unconditional. I might not always like what you do (and vice versa), but you will never be able to fall so far that I won’t love you. Let my love be enough that it will buoy you during your rough seas. Let it be a lighthouse that will guide you back to where you belong.

It’s Father’s Day weekend, and we’ll be spending it together with family – the family that matters, the family that embraces you for the incredible person you are and for the unbelievable potential you represent. Let’s smile together and hold hands when we pray. Let that be enough.