A Father’s Purpose
Today is Father's Day.
Most of the time, I write from a woman's perspective. I write to the moms juggling schedules, carrying snacks in their purses, managing calendars, and trying to keep all the balls in the air. I write to wives, mothers, and women navigating the beautiful mess of everyday life.
But today, I want to write to the fathers.
As I watch my husband coach young men and father our daughters every day in between, I've come to appreciate something deeply: fathers often carry some of the heaviest responsibilities with some of the least recognition.
And on Father's Day, three men immediately come to mind.
My husband, my dad, and my father-in-law.
I was blessed to grow up with a father who was present. A dad who showed up, supported me, encouraged me, and helped shape the woman I am today. The older I've gotten, the more I've come to appreciate the sacrifices he made, the lessons he taught, and the steady presence he provided throughout my life.
And then there's my father-in-law, who raised the man I married.
Long before my husband became the father of our daughters, he was the son of a father who demonstrated what it means to lead a family, work hard, love well, and show up consistently. The way my husband loves our girls, serves our family, and pours into those around him didn't happen by accident. It was modeled for him.
As I watch my husband teaching our daughters life lessons, cheering them on, helping them chase big dreams, and showing them what unwavering love looks like, I'm reminded that much of who he is as a father began with someone investing in him first.
What a gift it is to witness the legacy of fatherhood passed from one generation to the next.
And while I know not everyone has experienced the blessing of a present father, I never want to take for granted the men God placed in my life who showed me what faithful fatherhood looks like. Their influence reaches far beyond their own children. It shapes families, strengthens generations, and leaves a legacy that lasts long after they're gone.
God is amazing in His design.
From the very beginning, He carefully created a man and a woman with unique gifts, strengths, and purposes. Not the same, but beautifully complementary. Different roles, different perspectives, different strengths…working together to create the foundation of a family.
Neither role is more important than the other.
Both are necessary.
Both are valuable.
Both were intentionally designed by God.
And fathers have a purpose that should never be underestimated.
When I think about dads, I think about steady.
I think about the calm in the storm.
The voice that brings reason when emotions are running high.
The one who quietly carries the weight of responsibility while making it look effortless.
The one who often sacrifices without announcing it.
The one who gets up and goes to work, shows up to practices, attends school events, sits through horse shows, fixes what is broken, and somehow still finds the energy to throw a ball in the backyard, teach his daughter how to triple jump, help her learn how to power clean (because this is a real thing right now), or spend one more hour helping a child chase a dream.
Many fathers aren't looking for recognition.
They simply show up.
Day after day.
Year after year.
And that matters more than they may ever know.
Today, we also celebrate the soon-to-be fathers.
The men eagerly waiting for a baby's arrival.
The ones assembling cribs, reading parenting books, praying over babies they've yet to hold, and wondering if they're ready for the responsibility ahead.
You may not feel like a father yet, but your heart is already preparing for one of the greatest callings God can give a man.
Your journey matters too.
Every girl needs a dad.
Not because dads are perfect, but because daughters need someone who teaches them what strength looks like wrapped in gentleness. Someone who believes in them before they fully believe in themselves. Someone whose love helps shape their confidence and reminds them of their worth.
And boys?
Boys learn from their dads.
They watch how a man treats his family.
How he handles disappointment.
How he works.
How he serves.
How he leads.
How he loves.
Whether fathers realize it or not, little eyes are always watching.
The lessons aren't always taught through words.
Many times, they're taught through example.
A father's influence reaches far beyond the years spent under his roof.
But I also know Father's Day can feel different for everyone.
Some are celebrating incredible fathers.
Some are missing fathers who are no longer here.
Some are carrying the pain of absent fathers.
Some have father figures who stepped in when they needed one most.
Some are longing to become fathers.
This message is for all of you.
Because while earthly fathers may fall short, our Heavenly Father never does.
"A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in His holy dwelling." — Psalm 68:5
What a comforting reminder that no one is forgotten by Him.
And to the dads reading this:
Never underestimate your purpose.
Never underestimate the power of your presence.
Your children may not remember every gift you bought.
They may not remember every rule you enforced.
But they will remember that you showed up.
They will remember feeling safe.
They will remember being loved.
They will remember your encouragement, your guidance, your example, and your faith.
Long after the trophies collect dust and the milestones pass, those things remain.
The world needs good fathers.
Families need good fathers.
Children need good fathers.
And God has entrusted you with one of the most important callings there is.
"Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it." — Proverbs 22:6
So today, we celebrate you.
The providers.
The protectors.
The encouragers.
The leaders.
The listeners.
The coaches.
The mentors.
The dads.
And the men preparing to become dads.
What you do matters.
Who you are matters.
And your purpose is greater than you know.
Happy Father's Day.
