Hits It Out of the Park

This Sunday is Father’s Day, and I’ve been thinking about some of the gifts I’ve received over the years. Some were practical, some were funny, and a few might still be tucked away in a drawer somewhere. But there’s one gift that stands out above the rest—a simple coffee mug. It has a cartoon baseball player on it and says, “Dad hits it out of the park.” There’s nothing fancy about it. It’s not handcrafted pottery or high-tech gear. But it’s my favorite. If it’s clean, that’s the one I’m choosing.

Why? Because my daughter picked it out herself. She saw it, thought of me, and said, “That’s the one.” There’s something incredibly meaningful about being thought of—about being seen and known by someone we love. That’s what makes the ordinary extraordinary.

It reminds me of a moment in Scripture that isn’t flashy either, but it’s full of heart. In Mark 12, Jesus notices a poor widow putting two small coins into the temple offering. Others were giving larger amounts, but Jesus says, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all the others.” (Mark 12:43) The gift wasn’t impressive by the world’s standards, but it was offered from the heart, with love and intention. That’s what made it beautiful.

This Father’s Day, whether you’re celebrating with your dad, remembering him, or reflecting on the people who’ve been like fathers to you, I hope you’ll be reminded that the greatest gifts we give and receive aren’t about the price tag. They’re about presence. Thoughtfulness. Love. And maybe a coffee mug that still makes you smile.

Rev Chris Hester