My son called me on Father’s Day just to say hello. Julian, my oldest son, is traveling on a national tour of Saw, a musical parody of the slasher film by the same name. He had already forbidden his mother and me from seeing the show. I laughed and told him there were a few shows I had performed in that I would not have wanted my own mother to see, so I understood his reasoning.

     After a few minutes on the phone, Julian said, “Dad, I want to be serious for a moment. Most of my friends struggle with their parents, especially their fathers. Some of the people closest to me seldom, if ever, make a simple phone call to either of their parents. There is little relationship on either side.”

     He paused, gathering the rest of his thoughts. Inside, I felt as if I might come undone. I wanted to lighten the conversation, to say something quick that would keep the emotion at a safe distance. Praise be to God that grace held my tongue and kept me from interrupting what he needed to say. Finally, Julian continued, “Dad, I can’t tell you how much I appreciate you for always being there for me. You always listen without judgment and then offer guidance that truly helps. Thank you, Dad. I really love you, and I want you to know that.”

     Tears filled my eyes, and I could not hold them back any longer. “I love you, too, son. I am so grateful for you.” My soon-to-be 30-year-old son has a heart that still brings me to my knees. In moments like that, I am amazed by the power of connection: honest souls sharing hopes, dreams, and gratitude for the blessings they cherish most. I treasure his strength and his unwavering love for me.

     When our conversation ended, I sat for a moment with Julian’s words. I wondered how I might deepen my own spiritual connection during such heartfelt moments, recognizing that God’s joy fills our hearts when we choose to connect fully. I imagined holy arms embracing me, as if to say, “I hear your prayers, and I give thanks for our relationship. You are my greatest work of art.”

     Too often, I begin a spontaneous litany of prayers, offer them to God, and then hurry off to the next adventure before I pause long enough to listen. I move on before I hear the joy of the Lord or receive God’s tender words of hope and love. I must take care never to forget whose I am or what love means, because the Divine longs to hear how deeply I trust and love the holy presence of God.

     Several hours later, Caeleb, my youngest son, came up to me and wished me a happy Father’s Day. He shared with me how blessed he felt to have me as his dad. I hugged him and thanked him for being my son. As he left, I considered myself the blessed one. Both of my sons are young men, and they still appreciate and love me. I hope our connection never ends and that they know that my home will always be a safe place to land.

     May God see in me, the son, a desire to continue to grow in faith. May my words offer the Holy One joy like my sons offer me. May a fervent desire continue to strengthen my relationship with the heavenly One, and in turn, may I share with Julian and Caeleb the rich support that comes from Divine storehouses of grace. This is my prayer. May it be so.