In my growing up years, three claps and a cheer signaled my firefighting dad was home.

His applause was my cue to run and jump into his arms. It was our daddy-daughter celebration. As he completed another shift as a first responder, I welcomed his arrival and his affirmation.

People I’ve never met got the climbing up ladders, knocking down doors and battling flames part of my dad. But the moment he twirled me around, our sweet ritual seared father functions in my mind:

He loves you.

He welcomes you into his protective arms.

He rescues.

The years went by and I could no longer be lifted in the air. Instead, my dad asked me about my day or we shared a laugh.

More years and fewer laughs later, at times my teenage heart challenged my parents’ guidance or misunderstood their intentions. But love is patient.

They were patient.

I grew from their support and gleaned countless life lessons.

I learned through every heartache or dream fulfilled, a father’s love stays with you still (and yes, a mother’s love does too).

This sentiment may not resonate with everyone. For some, hearing the word “father” may mean hearing the word “absent,” “abusive,” or “unknown.”

God, the Father, knows.

He knows the mention of some days or the recall of some memories is traumatic. And yet, as we bring what’s broken before Him,

He heals the brokenhearted and bandages their wounds. (Psalms 147:3 NLT)

I needed God’s healing in my heart a few years ago when my dad passed away. As I sat crying with his firefighter’s helmet in my lap, I clung to memories of my father’s love.

I don’t know the difficult places you’ve sat. You probably have your own story of what forces streams of grief or gratitude from your eyes.

But I do know this.

Through every heartache or dream fulfilled, the Father’s love stays with us still.

He’s the only perfect Parent. And yet, at some point, we may struggle with receiving His affirmation.

We may wrestle with realizing His protective Presence or wonder why He didn’t rescue us in a certain way or at a certain time.

However, growing up in His grace allows us to feel the grip of His love when life is tender or tough.

The Father loves you. You are His. (Psalm 24:1)

He welcomes you into His protective arms. You are safe. (Psalm 62:8)

He rescues. You can heal. (Psalm 34:17)

The Father is both First Responder to our crisis and Redeemer of our soul.

Instead of three claps and a cheer, His sinless Son died for our sins and in three days He rose. (Romans 4:24 and 25)

It’s the child of God’s greatest affirmation and endless celebration. In Him, we can seek and find hope for the heart and joy to the soul.

For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5 NLT)