Our Heavenly Father’s Day.  By Laura Carson.

“I will be a Father to you, and you shall be My sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.”  2 Corinthians 6:18

As I think about Father’s Day my thoughts turn to my Heavenly Father.

God’s goodness is ingrained in His character.  His goodness towards us comes from His love and is not dependent on our acknowledgement and gratitude.

However, scriptures indicate that God desires to hear our praise, our gratitude for Who He is and what He does.

“giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,” Ephesians 5:20

“Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever” Psalm 107:1

This is the appropriate response of someone who understands the gift, and the Giver, of life and blessings.

There are also hidden blessings in a lifestyle of gratitude.  Showing appreciation and gratitude don’t just benefit the recipient of such – the act of expressing gratitude actually strengthens our own character and wellbeing.

A posture of thankfulness means not taking things for granted, or feeling entitled, understanding that much of what comes our way is in large part due to the efforts of other individuals coupled with the grace of God.

Mental health professionals agree that gratitude improves physical health, psychological health, improves sleep and increases self-esteem.

On this Father’s Day I want to publicly thank our Heavenly Father who loves us so.

“For God so loved the world that he gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” John 3:16