God Bless You, Dads.

‘Twas just a month ago that I sent a blessing for mothers, and I would like to do the same for fathers, but for various reasons—it is a bit more challenging for me… Don’t get me wrong--I know that the role fathers play in the lives of their children is equally important as that of mothers! 

Children are meant to be reared by two parents--a mother and a father, living in the same home.  It is the weaving of male and female, strong and tender, compassionate and nurturing, affirming and correcting, which is the ying and yang that two parents are to provide their offspring, (despite what any culture or popular media promulgates). 

God puts a high priority on parenthood, including honoring of one’s parents as number five of the Ten Commandments.¹  Indeed, “Honor thy father and mother” is commanded in 10 different places in Scripture, and it is the only command that comes with a promise - Honor your father and mother. This is the first commandment with a promise: If you honor your father and mother, things will go well for you, and you will have a long life on the earth.²

Yet being a father is often without honor—or at least it feels that way.  There are so many thankless deeds, selfless tasks, and tiresome duties.  I think of so many fathers who toil at their jobs in an effort to provide for their children; it is not just in today’s economy that it is a pressure, but it does seem the strain is quite worrisome and laborious just the same.  But God sees, and he understands, Dad. 

And eventually, many children do see, appreciate, and grow from your sacrifices; I found this poem by Joanna Fuchs:

 

Life Lessons

You may have thought I didn't see,

Or that I hadn't heard,

Life lessons that you taught to me,

But I got every word.

Perhaps you thought I missed it all,

And that we'd grow apart,

But Dad, I picked up everything,

It's written on my heart.

Without you, Dad, I wouldn't be

The woman I am today;

You built a strong foundation

No one can take away.

I've grown up with your values,

And I'm very glad I did;

So here's to you, dear father,

                            From your forever grateful kid.  

Sweet, huh?  Our children see far more than we realize.  If they see us practicing gratitude, one day they will express gratitude for who we have been and what we have done for them.

May I offer two instructions from Scripture on this Fathers’ Day, Dads?  First, don’t forget to share your spiritual journey with your children; a father’s testimony is powerful.  "Tell it to your children, ?and let your children ?tell it to their children, ?and their children ?to the next generation.”³

Second, Paul included this reminder:  "Fathers, ?do not irritate and provoke ?your children to anger ?[do not exasperate them to resentment], ?but rear them [tenderly] ?in the training and discipline ?and the counsel and admonition ?of the Lord."⁴

A prayer:  Dear Lord, I pray that you will bless fathers around our globe today.  Bless and fill their hearts with love from you, their true Father, no matter how wonderful (or lacking) their own fathers were or have been.  God, I pray that you will equip them with your wisdom which is pure, peace-loving, gentle, and full of mercy—shows no favoritism and is always sincere.⁵  May your favor rest upon them, confirm and establish the work of their hands,⁶ Lord God.  Amen.

I close with a little country song, Daddy’s Hands … 

Click to watch/listen to Daddy’s Hands: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VK6QJP4khPM

God Bless You, Dads!

Christine

 

1 – Exodus 20.12

2 – Ephesians 6.2-3

3 – Joel 1.3

4 – Ephesians 6.4, Amplified

5 – James 3.17