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. 

 

I’m so proud of you and the person you’re growing into.

Enjoy these years, grasp them as your gift, enjoy the freedom, of time and exploration.  Make memories, do ridiculous things.  You’ll remember the wild creative things you do now and when you’re old they’ll make the best stories.  

I’ll be honest, my main regret from Uni is that I was way too intense and a bit too responsible... too much time in Christian meetings, not enough time taking creative risks.  Every now and then take a bit of time somewhere quiet with God, to write down your own list of things that really matter.  Memories aren’t made of ‘should’s and oughts’ but of ‘what ifs’ and ‘let's try’.  If you get hemmed in by religious intense people trying and tell you what should be on your list or what you should care about, don’t let them define who God is calling you to be.  The best friends are the people you can most be yourself with, find people who let you laugh, dance and listen to your stories. 

Be fearless!  I know dads are probably meant to tell you to be responsible, but mistakes are better than regrets.  If you offend people, let them grow out of it.  If you hurt others, humble yourself, reconciliation is beautiful.  If you get hurt, forgiveness brings healing, it’s one of the most beautiful things about the ways of Jesus.

Let me finish with some words from Ben Okri:

Fear not, but be full of light and love;

Fear not but be alert and receptive;

Fear not but act decisively when you should;

Fear not, but know when to stop;

Fear not for you are loved by me;

 

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