My father left when I was about three years old, but another father stepped in.

 

He’s in the photo above.

 

The other photo below is of me and my children Maya (19) and Zach (15).

 

Thank you, Dad, for showing me strength, commitment, and what it means to be a man.

 

Although you never met my children because you passed away before they were born, I want you to know that they know you.

 

They know you through the way I love them.

 

They know you through the way I raise them.

 

They know you through the values, lessons, and character you passed on to me.

 

Thank you for being a great dad.

 

And thank you even more because I wasn’t your blood.

 

There are few things we will do in this world that are more important than being a father.

 

I’ve seen men accomplish great things because they had a father who was present in their lives.

 

And I’ve seen highly successful men struggle to know who they are because they were never deeply loved by a man.

 

A present father is someone who takes the time to truly know his children.

 

Someone who loves them, can be counted on, and serves as an example of integrity, compassion, and strength.

 

A father has a relationship with his children.

 

He knows when to lead, when to confront, when to teach, and when to simply be a friend.

 

As a father, it isn’t just your life that is in your hands.

 

It’s your children’s lives, their children’s lives, and generations beyond them.

 

What we put into our children—whether positive or negative, intentional or unintentional—will continue in ways we could never imagine.

 

I know that’s a big responsibility.

 

But we don’t do it alone.

 

Whether your father was there for you, partly there, or absent altogether, I know how much that can hurt.

 

Give him grace.

 

Most people are doing the best they can with the understanding they have at the time.

 

The reason we are not alone is because we have a Father too.

 

We didn’t create ourselves.

 

Some call Him God.

 

Others use a different name.

 

But whatever name you use, know there is something higher that can guide your life, especially when it comes to being a good father.

 

All that’s required is a willing heart.

 

When my father left and before my stepfather came into my life, it was God who became my Father.

 

There was a presence with me as a young boy.

 

A presence that never left me and never failed me.

 

That same presence can help us raise our children well if we’re willing to listen and ask for guidance.

 

So this Father’s Day, don’t see it simply as a day for yourself.

 

See it as a day to reflect on what kind of father you want to be remembered as.

 

Be present with your children, even if your time with them is limited.

 

Recognize the gift and responsibility of being their father.

 

No matter where you are in life, you can still make a difference.

 

And if you’re considering becoming a father someday, I highly recommend it.

 

You don’t need to be perfect because no one is, but you can be good and learn and try being a little better.

 

Continue becoming the man you know you are in your heart, and one day share that with your children.

 

They will help you grow.

 

They will challenge you to stay authentic.

 

And they will call forth the very best in you.

 

Being a father is my favorite role that God has blessed me with.

 

Happy Father’s Day.

 

Bert