There once was a young boy who longed to be a Cub Scout. Each week his friends would meet, dressed in blue uniforms and decorated with many merit badges showing off their achievements. The boy began attending the meetings and got to wear the uniform, but he had no badges. One day he learned there would be a special meeting where the Scouts would show their latest achievements and receive even more merit badges.

Wanting so badly to be like them, the boy decided he would carve the Scout emblem on a block of balsa wood. That would surely impress them. Using a small knife, he worked for days and told his friends about this wonderful "thing" he was making. But his grand plans worried his father. "The wood's too light and flimsy. It won't take the pressure. Let me help you." But in his pride, the boy ignored his father. He wanted to do it all on his own.

The night before the meeting, the boy put the finishing touches on his creation. He was excited. Finally he would be like his friends and maybe even get a merit badge. But as he made his last cut into the carving, the block of wood split in two. He sat there in shock. How could this have happened? His dream was destroyed. The tears came quickly and he ran from the room.

The next day, broken-hearted and angry, the boy decided not to go to the meeting. Why be embarrassed again? His mother took him aside and handed him a box. Puzzled, he opened it. There inside was a carving, though not the one he had worked on. This one was made of strong, sturdy wood. He looked at his mother. "Your father worked all night on it," she said. "It's for you."

True story. I was the little boy. At the time, the most important thing in the world to me was fitting in with my friends. I wanted to be like them, wear that uniform, and some day have a bunch of little badges on my chest (maybe even show off a little). And I wanted to do it all on my own. In my little mind, I didn't want or need any help from my father. But on my own, I crashed and burned.

Many countries have a special day to honor fathers. For those who follow Christ, the day has special significance because it helps us remember not only our earthly fathers but our Heavenly one as well. And what's to remember? He knows us, cares for us, and loves us. (1 Peter 5:7) He provides what we need and has even given us the kingdom. (Luke 12:29-32) He's prepared the way for us to be with Him forever. (John 3:16-17) And if we will follow Christ, He will honor us. (John 12:26)

For many, such things are hard to accept. Not everyone has had a great earthly father or even met the one they had. And not everyone can say as David, We have heard with our ears, O God; our fathers have told us what You did in their days, in days long ago. (Psalms 44:1) But that doesn't take away the reality of God as our Heavenly Father and that we can trust and depend on Him. He is what every Father should be. He is the true example, regardless of whether we earthly fathers fail...and we all fail.

Thinking back all those years ago, I can't tell you what happened next. I don't remember going to the meeting or getting a merit badge...ever. But I do remember my dad...without me ever asking...doing something for me when I was absolutely devastated. When I felt like the biggest failure in the world, he saw me as someone special. And when I felt so very alone, he was there, even though I didn't know it.

My dad was not a Bible teacher. We never spent hours talking about Jesus. But from him I learned something very important about God the Father, for now I better understand what Jesus meant when He told the disciples, You will leave me all alone. Yet I am not alone, for my Father is with me. (John 16:32b) I did not realize it then, but I was very blessed, for my father was with me. Today, years after he's gone to be with Christ, I know I am still not alone, for my Heavenly Father is with me.

In ancient days, all men, whether or not they had their own children, had a responsibility to those who came after them-to be there for them so they would know the Heavenly Father. Each man has that same responsibility today. So, for those who come after us, may we be able to say...

We will not hide from the children what we have heard and known; we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the LORD, His power, and the wonders He has done.(see Psalms 78:1-4).