All of these men have in some way influenced our beliefs and lives, may it be the laws and rules they create, or the strength with which they lead our families. As we celebrate Father's Day and the men that have played a role in our lives, we should also reflect upon the heavenly father and his work in this world.
When we think of the almighty father, we think of the omnipotent God. For Christians, he is not only the driving factor of the religion and world, but the father who is prayed to for thanks, forgiveness, needs, and more.
Because of God's supremacy, many people often do not identify him as a compassionate, loving, and forgiving father. Instead they see him as a discipliner, of whom we must fear and regard with reverence. This Father's Day try praying to him as if you were speaking to your own earthly father.
As I reminisce about my own father, I realize that he was not only the driving factor in my life, but he was also the man who brought strength and compassion to my family. Many children will say that they are fearful of their father, and do not have an openly loving relationship with them.
Growing up in our family, there was always a focus on my siblings and me, which sometimes lead to negative competitiveness between us children. One day, my father called me over and expressed his disappointment in having heard hurtful statements between us kids. It was at this point that I realized not only the compassion, but also the adoration he felt for me and my siblings.
In all of my life, I had never seen my father reduced to tears, but as I looked on, I felt the love in his eyes, which thoroughly changed my outlook on his role in our family. His tough demeanor diminished I began to recognize that the person I loved so deeply did reciprocate the love, even if it was not always evident.
Although this type of father figure is necessary for most children, it may also cause some resentment toward the father, as his children may not feel as willing to share their thoughts and/or emotions with him. A father should not only be a man of discipline, but one who will take time to talk with his children, and be there for them always and forever. The way a father treats his children, will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression on the life his child chooses to lead.
As I saw my own father share his emotions so freely with me, I concluded that in order to save my own children from heartache, I would have to understand and address their needs. What a child needs today, is someone they know they can turn to, no matter what hardships they are facing in life. A father with a listening ear will know when their child is in trouble, and work towards a solution, as opposed to creating tension in their relationship.
The definition of a father should not be limited to being the male parent in a child's life, and every father should cherish his ability to raise a successful child, one who is both strong and respectable.
The reality is that most children today have two working parents or live in a single parent home. This means that most youngsters grow up spending less quality time with their parents.
They also live in a world with an unprecedented number of negative influences. From pornography on the internet, to rap songs on the radio, to racy shows on television, kids today have instant access to an unlimited amount of sinful situations.
Thus, no matter the situation of the marriage or family, every father must take the time to be a dad as well as a friend, disciplinarian, shoulder to cry on, dance partner, coach, audience, adviseer, listener, and so much more. From the little things to the great things, fathers have an opportunity to be everything for their children, and trust me, when done with love; it makes all the difference in the world.
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May each FATHER AND GRANDFATHER be honored this day, may they know that they are appreciated, that they are loved and that they have made a difference! To all the expectant fathers, look at the role models in your life and set the bar as to what kind of DADDY you will be. My father passed away almost 10 years ago, he was a great teacher, he was kind and compassionate and is missed by many, I also would like to say a few words about the father of my child, although we were not meant to be in marriage I give him all the thumbs up I can for his being the best of the best when it comes being a DAD, he has loved our child unconditionally, he has taught her, protected her, been her guide and even though he lived in another state her entire life, he was always available for her. God bless you Homer for being the man that you are! And of course this day I celebrate our FATHER IN HEAVEN, we are all so very blessed to be his children, we are all promised his heavenly riches if only we are obedient, if we hold strong to our faith and if we honor his holy name in all that we do....I love you Father God.
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