Father’s Day in the UK is celebrated on the same day of the year that it is celebrated in the USA.  (Mother’s Day moves each year in the UK as it is tied into the Easter Calendar.  You can read more about that here.) We started the day with worship together at our home church.  After a quick lunch at home, we changed clothes and walked to the city.  Today is the final day of the Durham Regatta 2014.  I have always loved the water and I am fascinated by sport of rowing.  Beth and the children treated me with a walk around the regatta festivities. There were quite a few things going on along the riverside.  I thought I’d take you along for our walk.

Boats moving into race position.

My favourite scene of the day: they are playing soccer to my left, the rowers are on the river to my right. There is a cricket match on and you can see the Cathedral and Castle off in the distance. It seems like the scenes of Durham are all in one frame.

The Pittington Brass Band serenaded rowers and spectators alike.

The British Army helped children learn to rock climb. Meg caught the climbing bug and couldn’t stop!

Joshua takes a go in the cab of one of the Army’s trucks.

What more can you say?

After we returned home, we had a nice home-cooked dinner. I am very blessed to be a dad.  I am thankful for the blessings of my own father.  I especially miss him this weekend;  he passed on to glory over 20 years ago.  I think we would of had fun walking the River Wear together today.  I am also thankful for the men who have stepped into my life and served as paternal and role models for me.  I am thankful for my dear wife and the dads in our family. I don’t know what Father’s Day is like for you.  No matter what your family situation, it can be a day of blessing.  The writer of 1 John felt a “fatherly” relationship with the Christians under his care.  The Bible encourages us to care for one another in the model that Jesus and God the Father do.  He writes: I am writing to you, little children,     because your sins are forgiven on account of [Jesus’] name.  I am writing to you, fathers,     because you know him who is from the beginning. I am writing to you, young people,     because you have conquered the evil one.  I write to you, children,     because you know the Father. I write to you, fathers,     because you know him who is from the beginning. I write to you, young people,     because you are strong     and the word of God abides in you,         and you have overcome the evil one. Have a blessed Father’s Day. Cheers, Rob