He will turn the hearts of the parents to their children Malachi 4:6
Dear Daddy,
This is the fifth Father’s Day since you left. It has not gotten easier, but we are all finding ways to cope. I always thought we had more time, especially today as memories of you flood my mind. If I could see you one last time, I would ask all the questions that keep running through my head.
Why were you always angry? I remember you shouting and slamming doors. It scared me and Mom. I did not understand it then, and I still do not. I remember the way your voice thundered through the house, shaking us to the core. Was it something we did? Were you mad at us? Or was something else making you upset? Memories of your outbursts still play in my mind. I remember the tension in the house, the way Mom would try to calm you down, and how I would hide in my room until it was over. I was always unsure of what to do. (‘Don’t give in to worry or anger; it only leads to trouble’ Psalm 37:8).
Why did you leave Mom? I know you two loved each other once, but then you stopped talking and started fighting all the time. She never talks about it. Did you stop loving her? Or was there something else, something you could not face? One day you were gone. Mom cried a lot, and I did not know what to do. Did you stop loving us? I asked mom these questions, but her answers were always vague, filled with pain, anger, and resentment she could not hide. (“Casting all your anxieties on him because he cares for you” 1 Peter 5:7).
Why were you always so busy and distant? You worked long hours, even on weekends, and we hardly ever saw you. Did you do it for us? Or were you running from something, something you could not face? Your absence put a huge weight on all our shoulders and mom could not cope. It all kept going south, sending our lives spiraling into confusion. (“Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest” Matthew 11:28).
What were your biggest fears? You always seemed so strong and unafraid, but I think everyone is scared of something. What were you scared of? I remember once when you appeared vulnerable. You sat alone on the sofa in the dark, staring at nothing and talking to no one. It was a side of you I never understood, your changing moods. (“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go” Joshua 1:9).
What mistakes have taught you the most about life? I know everyone makes mistakes, but I never heard you talk about yours. Did you have regrets? Things you wished you could change? Now that I am starting high school, I really wish I had you to teach me about navigating life. (‘For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body’ James 3:2).
I miss you, Dad, more than words can say. I just wish I understood why you had to go. Happy Father’s Day.
Prayers
1. Holy spirit heal my family in Jesus name.
2. Lord Jesus, put my life back together again in Jesus name.
3. Arrow of family disunity, backfire in Jesus name.
4. My parents must reconcile by the power in the blood of Jesus.
5. The love of God reign in my family in Jesus name.
