Happy Father’s Day! It’s called a holiday, but when compared to Mother’s Day it’s one with very little fan-fair, and I think for most fathers’ that’s just fine with them. I can only speak for myself, but to be pushed to the forefront, even for a day, seems a bit uncomfortable. Fathers are a very important part of family life and the examples set forth by them in everyday life and living mold and shape the lives of their children. For that reason most dads are happy with a quiet day because they simply don’t feel like the hero a special day imposes on them. All men want to be winners at anything they do, but fatherhood is one of those things that leave a lot of unanswered questions as to their success. Personally, I have to confess I’ve lived long enough to feel, though if I could go back I’d do a lot of things different, I can see some of myself in my children’s good lives. Still, I have to admit, I never minded being upstaged by their mother, the real hero.
“An Old Farmer’s Advice” Life is simpler when you plow around the stump; Words that soak into your ear are whispered, not yelled; Meanness don’t jes’ happen over night; Forgive your enemies …it messes up their head; A grudge is heavy, but it don’t take a very big person to carry one; You can’t unsay a cruel word; Every path has a few mud puddles; When you wallow with pigs, expect to get dirty; The best sermons are lived, not preached; God wants spiritual fruit, not religious nuts; Laugh every day, it’s like inner jogging; If you worry, you don’t pray …If you pray, you don’t worry; As a child of God, praying is like calling home every day; Blessed are the flexible, for they shall not be bent out of shape; He who dies with the most toys …is still dead; Growing old is inevitable …growing up is optional; Do the math …count your blessings; There is no key to happiness. The door is always open; Faith is the ability to not panic.
WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO BE A GOOD FATHER? Start Early And Work At It Regularly. (Proverbs 19:18) Set aside time for daily contact, practice the art of “being there”. Know How To Play And Work with Your Children. (Proverbs 22:6) Do not wait to involve them in adult games. They may not want to play with you then. The closer the father is with his children as infants, the easier he finds it to develop the relationship of a good parent. Learn How To Communicate. (Proverbs 1:8-9) “I talk to my kids all the time, but they never listen!” Sound familiar? Too often we tend to talk “AT” rather than “WITH” our children. Try to understand the child’s point of view in a given situation and reason with them as to the best solution. Discipline Your Children With Love And Understanding. (Proverbs 29:15,17 & Proverbs 13:24) Reacting to their wrongs with anger or uncontrolled hollering, slapping or unreasonable demands will prompt rebellion. Deal with them as you would want to be handled. If you resent your own actions, so will they. You are the authority of the home. Earn the respect of your children. Do not treat them like slaves who must obey with cringing fright. Above All (Ephesians 6:4) “And, fathers, do not provoke your children to anger; but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.” For all the fathers out there, new, grand and great, thanks for your love, concern, kindness, understanding and discipline, for with your example and guidance the fathers of tomorrow have a road easier to travel. Fathers, seek God’s guidance, for He too is a father and understands. Be proud. YOU, are a hero.
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