“Dads are most ordinary men turned by love into heroes, adventurers, storytellers, singers of songs.” Pam Brown
Happy Almost Father’s Day!
I hope you had a great weekend and are looking forward to the coming week. I’ll be busy cooking for my older brother and a dear family friend, so I wanted to be sure to give a massive shout-out to all the dads for this upcoming Father’s Day. I also wanted to remind you all that incorporating some self-care into your plans will help make the weekend even better.
As with Mother’s Day, there are many mixed emotions about this day. Some of us had wonderful fathers and have tried to emulate that experience with our own children. Some of us had dads who were too busy to spend much time with us. Some did their best to show up and be present, but didn’t quite make the mark. Some of us had absent fathers, while others’ experiences were those of nightmares.
Australian poet Pam Brown shared these thoughts about dads:
Yes, many dads are ordinary guys trying to do the best they can. They become heroes to their children, role models for their sons, help define the identities of their daughters, tell bedtime stories and stories of their experiences, and some even sing songs. I was blessed to have all of these characters and more in my father.
He was tough, and we knew what we had to do. He was also loving and supportive when we needed it most. Our family and friends loved Pop, who never missed an opportunity to invite someone to one of our celebrations, especially for his favorite foods on Father’s Day.
For those whose experiences were wonderful, I’m so happy you had an exemplary role model, and I hope you’re doing the same for your children. For those whose dads did the best they could, I hope you can extend grace and love them even though you needed more. And, for those whose experiences were less than desirable, there’s help for the asking. Remember, you don’t have to carry the burden alone.
Scripture has over 1,500 references regarding fathers. Here are a couple of them:
“I’ve loved you the way my Father has loved me. Make yourselves at home in my love. If you keep my commands, you’ll remain intimately at home in my love. That’s what I’ve done—kept my Father’s commands and made myself at home in his love.” John 15:9 (MSG)
“The Spirit that we received is not a spirit that makes us slaves again and causes us to fear. The Spirit that we have makes us God’s chosen children. And with that Spirit we cry out, ‘Abba, Father.’” Romans 8:5 (ERV)
“Fathers, do not provoke or irritate or exasperate your children [with demands that are trivial or unreasonable or humiliating or abusive; nor by favoritism or indifference; treat them tenderly with lovingkindness], so they will not lose heart and become discouraged or unmotivated [with their spirits broken].” Colossians 3:21 (AMP)
As we reflect on fathers today, let’s remember those grandfathers, uncles, friends’ dads, teachers, clergy, and others who stepped in to help us in times of need. Let’s also remember those dads whose children have yet to be born. I know of a couple of men whose wives are expecting, some for the first time, and they are already assuming the role as they strive to be supportive. I pray for peace and abundant joy as you welcome your new little ones.
I’ll close with this prayer from Rev. Chuck Currie:
Fathers In Our Lives
We give our thanks, Creator God, for the fathers in our lives.
Fatherhood does not come with a manual, and reality teaches us that some fathers excel while others fail.
We ask for Your blessings for them all and forgiveness where it is needed.
This Father’s Day we remember the many sacrifices fathers make for their children and families, and the ways–both big and small–they lift children to achieve dreams thought beyond reach.
So too, we remember all those who have helped fill the void when fathers pass early or are absent; grandfathers and uncles, brothers and cousins, teachers, pastors and coaches and the women of our families.
For those who are fathers, we ask for wisdom and humility in the face of the task of parenting. Give them the strength to do well by their children and by You.
In Your Holy name, O God, we pray. Amen.
Happiest of Father’s Day to you and the extraordinary dads in your lives!
Be Well & Be Blessed!
Lucinda
