Why Dads Love Being Dads: Because God Loves Being Our Father

Hey, Carpool Crew! Happy Father's Day. Before we jump in, I want to give a huge shout-out to all the dads listening today. To the dads who get up early before everyone else. To the dads cooking breakfast on the Blackstone, the dads smoking ribs in the backyard, the dads throwing cannonballs into the pool, and the dads drying tears after a hard day. To the dads teaching kids how to throw a ball, ride a bike, tie a tie, change a tire, and most importantly, the dads teaching their kids to follow Jesus. To all the dads driving to practice, showing up at games, reading bedtime stories, or listening to Goodnight Psalms together, and praying over their kids, and doing a thousand little things that nobody notices. Today, we see you. We love you. Thanks, dads. And kids, today's episode is all about why dads do those things. I'm Pastor Justin, and here's the one thing I want you to remember for the ride: great dads love being dads because God loves being our Father. So listen to what the Bible says in 1 John 3, verse 1. "See what great love the Father has given us, that we should be called God's children, and we are." Have you ever thought about that? God could have called us a lot of things. Followers, believers, fans, friends. But one of His favorite names for us is His children. Why? Because God loves being a Father. Think about that for a second. God isn't annoyed when you pray. He isn't bothered when you need help. He doesn't roll His eyes when you make mistakes. He loves you even when you're having a bad day. He loves listening to you, and helping you, and teaching you, and guiding you, and forgiving you. He loves being your Heavenly Father. And that's where great dads get it. The best dads aren't perfect dads. Every dad makes mistakes. Trust me, Pastor Justin is a dad, and I make mistakes. Every dad gets tired. Every dad has days where he wishes he could have do-overs. But great dads keep showing up every day because they love being dads. And that's why your dad sits through practices, recitals, games, and tryouts. That's why they help with homework. Maybe. I actually don't help with a lot of homework in my house. But that's why your dad worries about you. That's why he cares about you. That's why he works hard for you. That's why he keeps showing up even when nobody is handing out trophies for it. See, he's following the example God gave him. You know, one day your dad won't remember every score from every game. He won't remember every homework assignment he helped with. But he'll remember being your dad. Because believe me, being a dad is one of the best gifts God ever gave him. So on this Father's Day, make sure you are telling your dad thank you and I love you. Not just for the big things. Not just for the gifts. Not just for the stuff. For the memories. For the time. For teaching you to ride your bike. For coming to your games. For making you laugh. For helping you lift heavy things. And friends, if your dad isn't with you today, I want you to know that God loves you. Think about the grandfather, the stepdad, the uncle, the coach, or the pastor, the person who's investing in your life, and make sure you thank them, too. Now let's go back to the one thing I wanted you to remember: great dads love being dads because God loves being our Father. Remember, no matter where you are or how you're listening, God loves you. And today, take a minute to tell your dad thank you and I love you. And before you go, let's answer this question together: what's one thing your dad does that makes you feel special and loved? I'll see you tomorrow on Carpooling with Jesus.