Father of the fatherless and protector of widows is God in his holy habitation.
Psalm 68:5

Fatherless

I’m thankful for the steadfast love of my ever-present heavenly Father, who provides us with earthly fathers, and reserves a special place in His heart for those whose fathers are no longer with them.

I joined the ranks of the fatherless three years ago. My dad lived to 92, so I was blessed to have him in my life for more than six decades. I know many, including my daughters, lose their fathers much earlier. No matter how old we are when our fathers die or what our relationship with them was like, their passing leaves a void. The space he once filled with tales, advice, and shared activities is now empty.

Except for our memories.

Earthly Father

I would like to say that Dad and I had a close relationship like the one I had with Mom, but that wasn’t the case. I will save that story for another day. Despite the challenges we faced, I knew Dad always had my back. He was my defender, protector, and provider. A few examples:

• As a teen, I was studious, socially awkward, and not particularly attractive. On the few occasions I gathered up the courage to go to a school social, I spent most of my time on the sidelines, hoping someone would ask me to dance, though that rarely happened. If the band was still playing when Dad came to pick me up, he would ask me to dance.
• Dad bought me my first car, a bright yellow VW Rabbit, and taught me to drive a stick shift. When I took it in for service, they didn’t treat me with the respect Dad thought I deserved. He called the service manager and made it clear he didn’t want his daughter treated that way again. I expect Dad used a few choice words, some I wouldn’t use, but he got the message across. When I showed up for service again, they knew I wasn’t just some random teenager. Dad’s clout was behind me.
• Dad put a high priority on education. He paid for me to go to college, something his father wasn’t willing or able to do for him. Years later, when my daughters were born, he set up college funds for them.
• When my husband died at 39, leaving me with two young daughters to raise, Mom and Dad graciously moved from their home in North Carolina to one just two miles from mine in Georgia. Having them close by provided the love and stability we would have sorely lacked without them.
• Dad planned carefully and invested wisely, leaving an inheritance that not only makes my life more comfortable but also enables me to share with others, including his granddaughters and great-grandchildren.  

Heavenly Father

Although Dad was an imperfect father, as all fathers are, I have a perfect heavenly Father who shows great compassion to those who fear Him, including children and fathers alike. He knows how we are made and remembers that we are dust (Psalm 103:13-14). Furthermore, God holds a special place in His heart for orphans and widows and admonishes His people to care for them.[1]

Not sharing the same Biblical worldview and foundation of faith contributed to the distance between Dad and me. I longed for him to know the unconditional love of our heavenly Father, but I was careful not to push my beliefs on him. I learned early on that such an approach creates resistance, if not outright resentment. I prayed instead. In the last few weeks of Dad’s life, after nearly 50 years, God answered my prayers.

Though Dad’s faith was still the size of a mustard seed, I believe it became sight the moment he breathed his last and God welcomed him Home (Luke 17:6; 1 Corinthians 13:12). I rejoice in knowing I will see Dad again. Our relationship will be fully healed and restored.

Until then, I will be grateful for the way God exhibited His care for me through my earthly father, who protected and provided for me.

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[1] See, for example, Exodus 22:22; Deuteronomy 10:18, 24:19-21. 27:19; and Zechariah 7:9-10.