This Sunday is Fathers Day. I was joking the other day with a friend and said, “I didn’t get my dad anything for Fathers Day, he already has everything.” I’m grateful for the knowledge that my dad is in heaven enjoying the presence of the Lord and the glories of eternity and I’m grateful for what he taught me. Billy Sunday is credited with saying, “Give a boy a godly mother and any old stick will do for a dad.” I can appreciate Mr. Sunday’s enthusiasm for mothers but I’m afraid he underestimates dad’s role.
A father sets a standard of manhood for his children. He teaches his sons what it means to be a man and he model’s for his daughter what she should expect from a husband. Dad your role is important and it will have long-term affects on your children and grandchildren. My father was not a perfect man. He was a frail child of dust, broken, flawed yet redeemed. Yes I’ve inherited some of his flaws and added a few of my own. But he taught me unconditional love. He taught me to sacrifice myself for the sake of my family. He taught me the importance of demonstrating, in tangible ways, the value of my children. He taught me the power of “presence,” of love and support. He taught me to stand up for what I believe, even if it is unpopular. He taught me to live by conviction. Most importantly he taught me to love Christ, the Word of God and the church.
I hope and pray that through my own brokenness I’ve been able to pass on those valuable lessons to my own children. Happy Fathers Day. I’ll see you Sunday.
Rod