One of the greatest gifts we can experience on the face of this earth is our children. And as dads, for many of us, Father’s Day weekend holds a significant opportunity.

Approaching this through the lens of a broken world, broken relationships, divorce, and relational strain can be a challenging task. Yet regardless of our circumstances, we have an opportunity before us this weekend.

Are you ready, and will you be present?

There’s nothing better we can give our children than our presence. Our undivided attention. Our unconditional love. And our delight in them.

It’s hard to be able to give, though, when you’re tired, exhausted, worn down, stressed, or anxious. But especially if you’ve lost—or don’t have—perspective. Perspective on who you are, and perspective on what you’ve been given.

How can we fully love our kids if we don’t know how loved we are? Don’t we father out of our own identities, out of who we believe we are?

For me lately, I’ve really been leaning into what it means to be a dad out of my own understanding of being a son. A son who has been unconditionally loved, redeemed, embraced, and celebrated. Fathering out of this “waterfall” experience of love gives me the perspective and approach I believe my daughters need the most.

So this weekend is about more than simply spending time with your kids. It’s an opportunity to dig deeper and understand who you are and how that impacts the father you are becoming.

You have so much to give. There is perhaps no more significant role that you may have than that of a father. Your situation may be messy, broken, and littered with mistakes, but who you are matters. You’ve been given the gift of being a father!

Even if you don’t have the opportunity to see your kids this weekend, don’t let that stop you from loving them. Pray for them. Write a letter. Send a message. Do anything you can to encourage them and express your love for them.

I am fortunate enough to know a bunch of amazing dads—men who pour their lives into their families and their children. But hey– enjoy the love being poured onto and into you this weekend as well!

This is a weekend to celebrate, delight, and rest in the enjoyment that your children bring, if you are with them. Make the most of it.

Happy Father’s Day Weekend!

-Alex