Listen to your father, who gave you life, and do not despise your mother when she is old. (Prov. 23:22)

Road trips are a tradition in my family. Growing up, my dad drove us to see his family in Nevada almost every summer. My brother and I have a lot of memories from those trips, and the hours and hours we spent together cooped up in the car helped shape who we are today. At the time, I probably wouldn’t have said those trips were a blessing, but I can now see that they were, and I cherish the memories we made.

My brother and his wife now live in Michigan, and my parents and I just returned from a trip to see them. I hadn’t seen them in person in six years. (My parents had seen them since, but it had still been a couple of years due to COVID).

My family and I have always been close. No matter what we’re going through individually—even when we disagree—even when we’re separated by many miles—we’re still there for each other. Family isn’t meant to be perfect—we’re all human, in case you were wondering! We get irritated with each other and often say the wrong thing (or I do, at any rate). The important thing is that we don’t let those things stop us from apologizing and moving forward.

Our trip concluded on Father’s Day weekend, which seemed a fitting way to celebrate my dad and all he’s done for us. I can never repay him for all the things he’s fixed for me, for his advice, and for his support. I’m thankful that God blessed me with my dad and that he gave us yet another road trip full of good memories.

Dear Jesus, thank you for my dad and all he’s done for me and our family. I know that not everyone has had such a good dad. Many have lost their dads recently and are grieving, not celebrating, right now. Please comfort them and give them your peace. Amen.