"Each of you has three fathers. First, your Heavenly Father. He stands ready to answer the prayer of your heart. Being the father of your spirit, and having created you in His own image, knowing the end from the beginning, His wisdom faileth not and His counsel is ever true. Make a friend of Him.
"Second, you have your earthly father. He labors to ensure your happiness. Together with your mother, he prays for your guidance and well being. Make a friend of him.
"Third, there is the father of your ward, even the bishop. He has been called of God by prophecy and the laying on of hands, by those who are in authority, to preach the gospel and administer in the ordnance thereof. In short, he is endowed to provide you with counsel and help. Make a friend of him."
- Thomas S. Monson, "Decisions Determine Destiny," LDS Student Association Young Women's Meeting, Logan, Utah, May 16, 1968; see TTSM p. 117
This is an interesting perspective for Father's Day from President Monson. We should not only recognize and be grateful for our three different fathers, but we should also "make a friend" of each one!
I lost my "earthly father" when I was 7 years old, before we really had much of a chance to establish a friendship. I have had many acquaintances who were still had a father living, but for various reasons were not able to build a friendship, or any kind of relationship; I think that is even more sad than my case.
But at least for me, I've been blessed on many occasions to have a father of the third type, my bishop, step in and help to compensate for the missing earthly father. What a blessing that has been!
And of course, knowing there is a Heavenly Father who loves me and cares for me, and will guide and direct in times of need as well as provide peace and hope—what a treasured blessing that is!
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