When I was younger, I was a Daddy’s little girl. My father was my hero and I knew I was his princess. He could do no wrong and I’m certain he felt the same towards me. He knew all of my imperfections yet his love covered over them all. To him, I was perfect. Still am.

This Father’s Day we celebrate that love a man has for his child- a love that is sacrificial and generous. It’s protective and forgiving. It can be misguided but filled with intention. A father’s love is not perfect because we are not perfect. Thankfully, like my dad’s love made me blameless in his eyes, God’s love not only covers the imperfections of our fathers but fills the voids where our dad’s failed. We have a father above who is perfect and loves us completely, just as we are. So as we celebrate our dads this Father’s Day, let us do so with grace and mercy, compassion and thanksgiving. And to my own father, I say thank you for teaching me what it feels like to be unconditionally loved.

A few of my favorite pictures capturing the love of a dad:

(photo by Kellie Carter)

You know a good dad when you see one (photo source Huffington Post)

An Amish dad and son (photo by Melissa Picone)

Jim Redmond helps son Derek across the finishing line in 1992 Olympics after a hamstring injury

Loved (photo Jason Lee)

(photo by The Blue basket)

a first shave

(link to source)

(photo by Melissa McKolay)