This weekend I’d like to honor all the fathers I know and love, especially my own husband—Mark. Being a father doesn’t mean you have to be the biological donor at the time of conception. I’ve watched Mark for the past 26 years, and I admire him more than he’ll ever realize. He loves Phillip and Monica, and what more could a mother ask for? He adores his grandchildren, and just thinking about it brings tears to my eyes.

I’m sure the majority of you all have the same story, the same experience.

If you’re reading this and aren’t married or have children today, then I encourage you to honor your father this weekend, because nothing would bring him more happiness than to have a son or daughter acknowledge him for being a great dad.

I love the imagery of Psalm 127:3-5, “Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him. Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are children born in one’s youth.” A father has a huge responsibility, he can either aim true or aim wide. Haven’t we all experienced the exasperation of a father who sees his children off the trajectory of an arrow aimed true?

So today, I want to acknowledge my husband for all the hours he’s spent worrying about our children, for providing resources to raise them, for loving and nurturing them, and for the wisdom to know when to let our children soar like eagles—even when I didn’t think they were ready for leave the nest let alone fly solo.

I’m sure you’ll want to acknowledge the men in your life this weekend. So, here’s a toast to all the men who have loved and sacrificed for our children. Cheers!