On June 18, 2023 we celebrate Father’s Day. I remember that every summer my dad, my best friend, and I would gather up our backpacks and head out for a nine day adventure hiking the Appalachian Trail. Dad had decided we would attempt hiking the remaining 90 miles of the 161 mile trail that we started the summer before. The trail started in Hanover, right on the Connecticut River at the Vermont border, and our goal was to reach Gorham on the Maine border. My favorite memory of those two trips was standing on the top of Mount Washington at 6288 feet. My dad put his arm around me (and in typical dad fashion) told me that it is the highest peak in the northeast US and part of the Presidential Mountain Range. 

When I got older, there came a time when my dad couldn’t climb the stairs to his Condo. I had to pick him up and carry him like he did for me throughout my life. 

I have these fond memories of my Father and look back on them quite often, as my Father has gone to heaven some 13 years ago. There are also some really hard memories of my Father which are not as fond.

It was very hard for me when my father died. I was holding his hand when he drew his last breath and then had to go down the hallway at the Lee Medical Center to tell my mother. As I sat there, all I could think about was how I would miss him terribly! But after praying about this, God gave me the answer I needed. Through God’s Word and prayer, I realized that my earthly father was no longer with me. However, I would always have a Heavenly Father who looks after me and takes care of me. That means at the height of the highest peak (like Mount Washington) to the lowest point ( like the bottom of a Ft. Myers Condo stairway) my Heavenly Father reminds me that He is with me during my journey of Faith and will carry when my strength gives out.

I now am comforted by my Heavenly Father and that brings such joy to my daily life. I pray and hope that each of you have a fantastic Father’s Day. There are two Bible verses that come to mind when it comes to fathers and Our Father:

“My son, hear the instruction of your father, and forsake not the law of you mother.” Proverbs 1:8

“For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! (Daddy) Father!.” Romans 8:15

Happy Father’s Day, 
Pastor Don Treglown