Father’s Day is almost here—and if your heart's anything like mine, it's caught somewhere between warm memories and a to-do list that never quits.

Truth is, not every father is perfect. Some show up late, some not at all. But in Willow Creek—and in life—grace has a funny way of rewriting the story.

There’s Harry Sr., who didn’t know he had a son until years had passed. But once he found out, he stepped in with his whole heart. Fatherhood came to him like rain on dry ground—unexpected but life-giving.

Ethan is the steady presence Clara didn’t even realize she needed. He’s raising Ava, Noah, and the baby on the way—not with fanfare, but with quiet strength and consistency. Even with Truman, the birth father, out of the picture, Ethan’s presence says everything.

Then there's Ben Reeves, who took on Alan and Ralph when their own father, Roger, failed them. Ben’s the kind of man who leads not with words, but with his actions. And Jake? Still carrying the lessons his father Dexter left behind—hammer in one hand, heart in the other.

In real life, I’ve seen fatherhood show up in all shapes:

 My Heavenly Father, who never lets go, even when He’s shaping me in hard seasons. My husband, who shows up every day for our family, no matter how tired he is. And the others—brothers, (in blood and in-law), cousins, friends, and those quiet father figures who make all the difference without needing the spotlight.

Ephesians 6:4 says it best:

 “And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.”

It’s not about being flashy. It’s about being faithful.

So here’s my Father’s Day prayer:

 May we honor the good ones, forgive the broken ones, and never forget the power of grace.

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