Fathers

In an age of equal rights and equal times, it’s only fair to give the dads equal attention. In May the moms are standing in the spotlight. Move over, ladies … make way for the men, in fact, a very select group of men—fathers. It’s timely to do that since summer is the season for Father's Day.

As if you didn't know! Every store window, newspaper, and national magazine in America has been parading gift ideas before your eyes for the past thirty days. Families have been wondering whether to wrap us in robes, fill us with food, surprise with skis, tickle us with tools, or just cover us with kisses. If I know dads, most of ‘em are going to blush no matter what you do. They are so used to providing, receiving is kinda weird. Occasionally, it's downright embarrassing! Most dads are quick to say two their families (with pardonable pride):

Look—sit back and relax…and leave the striving to us!

Think about your father, okay? Meditate on what that one individual has contributed to you. Think about has influence over you, his investment in you. Study his face… the lines that are now in indelibly etched on your mind again. Listen again to the echo of his voice… that infectious laugh… those unique expressions that emerge through a miracle of memory. Feel his hand around yours… his strong, secure arm across your shoulders. That grip that once communicated a strange mixture of gentleness and determination…compassion and masculinity …”I understand” and “Now, straighten up!” Watch his walk. No other walk like his, is there? Those sure steps. That inimitable stride. Arms swinging and back arched just so.

Best of all, remember his exemplary character. The word integrity. As you read this, pause and recall just one or two choice moments in your past when he stood alone…when he stood by you…in a time of storm. When he protected you from the bitter blast of life’s harsh consequences. When he said, “Honey, I forgive you, “ instead of, “You other to be ashamed!”

In the wake of such a legacy which time can never rob, give God thanks. That’s all. Just thank the Giver of every good and perfect gift for the meaningful marks your dad has branded on the core of your character…the wholesome habits he has woven into the fabric of your flesh. While meandering this forest of nostalgia, stop at the great oak named Proverbs and reflect upon the words the wise man carved into its bark twenty-nine centuries ago:

A righteous man walks in his integrity—How blessed are his sons [and daughters] after him.

Ah, how true!

Our Lord declares that you are the beneficiary in a perpetual, paternal policy. For the balance of your life, you received the dividends from your father's wise and sacrificial instruments in “integrity stock.” Most of those dividends were unknown and unclaimed until you were grown. How many of us now find ourselves richly endowed!

He is not perfect. He would be the first to admit it. Nor is he infallible, much to his own dismay. Nor altogether fair… nor always right. But there’s one thing he is—always and altogether—he is your dad…the only one you’ll ever have. And quite frankly, there’s only one thing he needs on Father’s Day—plain and simple—he needs to hear you say four words:

Dad, I love you.

That’s the best gift you can give. If you give him your love, you can keep all the other stuff. Come to think of it, it’s the most important gift of all.

Deepening You Roots: Exodus 20:12; Ephesians 6:1-4; Hebrews 12:7-11; 1 Kings 2:1-4; 1 Kings 3:3-15

Branching Out:

Write your dad a loving note and remind him of a special memory he has given you that shares how deep his love is for you.

Write down ten things about your dad that you can thank God for. Go ahead…thank God!