What is something that you particularly appreciate about your Dad? That is the question I posed to several people recently. Listen to their answers:
“He always took me to Braves games even though that was probably not his favorite sport. But he did it to spend time with me.”
“My dad was not a musician, but he drove me to music lessons and attended every show and concert. It was something he wanted to share with me.”
“He is very selfless, always doing something to make life better for us. He worked a regular job during the day, then came home and worked on the farm sometimes until late. He expected us to work hard too.”
“He had extremely great character. He lived it, rather than just telling me. He showed me how to live life. He was very loyal in his faith. He was consistent. In order to have integrity, you must have consistency. He was consistent with discipline, but in a calm, direct way.”
“When I was leaving for Air Force training, Dad said, “They can’t kill you.” After training he said, “Now they can kill you.” I was shipping out to Vietnam. He was a man of few words, but He seemed to always say something potent.”
“Dad was raised poor. He always worked hard to make sure we had something. He showed us we needed to work hard, and instilled that value in us. He enjoyed spending time with us trout fishing and ginseng hunting.”
“Dad’s been gone five years now. Every time I smell pipe smoke I think of him. He was a well respected, small town agriculture teacher for 30+ years. He was deeply liked by students, family and others because he was an old fashioned gentleman. When he passed, his students from way back came to pay respects.”
I see some common themes here. A dad impresses when he has a good work ethic, spends time with his children and takes interest in their lives, is a respectable man of integrity, shares his wisdom, and models Godly living. You can’t go wrong there.
Our culture says gender no longer matters, that men and women are interchangeable. The National Fatherhood Initiative contradicts that idea with published studies that identify pathologies resulting from homes without fathers. Children experience more behavioral problems, are more likely to be poor, and are less likely to excel in school. Teen pregnancy, delinquency, incarceration, and drug use are more likely. Men, you are needed!
Now on behalf of dads, here are some Biblical thoughts for sons and daughters. “A wise son makes a father glad” (Prov. 10:1). “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. Honor your father and your mother” (Eph. 6:1-2). On this Father’s Day, honor him by telling him what you appreciate about him. If he’s gone, honor him by remembering his life and legacy with your family.