For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Jesus Christ shall not perish but have everlasting life. (John 3:16)

This is from a writing by a friend, Paul R. Andrews:

My father died about six months before I was born. I grew up without ever knowing him personally. Or did I? I savored the apples from the trees he planted in the orchard and enjoyed the shade of the poplar trees he grew in our front yard. I lived my whole youthful life in the house he built with his own two hands. His presence and the legacy he left behind surrounded me. My older brothers and sisters told me how much Dad loved to decorate the house at Christmas time and how he would sit one of the children on his knee at dinner time. People outside my immediate family told me what a wonderful, loving man he was. I love my father, even though I have never personally seen him.

Even more importantly is what I have learned about my heavenly Parent. I heard that God cares for the tiny sparrow that falls to the ground, and even more-so, cares for me. I heard about the great gift of God’s Son, given freely by a loving parent. And I heard about the cross that built a bridge to eternity for me.

I had an earthly father and I also have a heavenly Father. I have never met either one face to face, but I love them both immensely, with all my heart. I look forward with joy to the day I will meet them both face to face.

Blessed Parent in Heaven, we wait with joy for the day we will see You face to face and be joined again with those we love!