In a time when families are broken down, blended up and statistically you are more likely to be missing a solid father figure in your life, we decided to ask some of our friends who we think make great dads, spiritually, biologically, to the church, and to the student generation, to write to you. So just in case your dad never got to speak into your life in the way you'd hoped, here's a postcard from dad to you. 

 

You’ve made it.  

You’ve worked so hard to be where you are now.  Studying a subject that hopefully you find interesting – as well as frustrating at times.  Well done for making it!

But there’s something more important than the fact you’ve made it and that’s this.

You’re made.

You’re made.

At university it is really easy to try and be someone else, to impress others or conform to who you think others want you to be. It’s really easy to think that you have to try and find yourself by doing lots of stuff other people are doing.  

But the most important fact about who you are is with you already.

You are made.

You are made with a body that is part of who you are.  You are made with interests and passions that make you you.  You are made with gifts that are unique to your life.  You are made by a God who created everyone different.

You’re not perfect.  You’ll need forgiveness when you get things seriously wrong and go slightly off target. The good news is that God’s in the forgiving business.  That’s why Jesus showed up.

And that’s the really great news.

You’re not just made.  You are also loved.  First thing in the morning when running for a lecture.  Last thing at night when you feel alone.

So in your time at uni, remember this.

You haven’t got to create or find yourself.  You’ve just to recognise you’re made – by a loving heavenly Father.

And you haven’t got to think you’re perfect or wonderful.  You’ve just got to know you’re loved – by that same loving Father who made you.

You’ve made it.  Well done.

Now remember that you’re made.  

And loved.

 

Read more postcards from my dad here: Paul W, John, Steve C, David, Steve, Andy, Paul H, Mark C, Keith