A Father’s Day Chat for Dads

Father’s Day is coming, so here is a simple Prairie Girl thought for you: Dads, you are really important to your children!

That might seem obvious, but in this crazy mixed up world, fathers can’t be blamed for wondering if they count. To some, the traditional family seems old-fashioned as people opt to marry later in life, not marry at all or marry someone from the same sex.

Raising kids is hard. Sometimes they don’t listen to you. They make messes. In addition, sometimes the little dears act just like you. No, being a father isn’t for the faint-hearted. It takes courage to stay with the job.

Right here I need to say thank you to my own father, who saved me from a gander when I was six, came to my room and listened sympathetically to my side of a dispute with Mom when I was a teenager, and walked me down the aisle on my wedding day when he probably should have been in the hospital. I miss you Dad, and I wish we could have just one more visit.

We humans have a built-in longing for our father’s approval and guidance that is as strong as our need for food, water and air. Some people spend their whole lives searching for a meaningful relationship with a father figure, it’s that important.

The average dad doesn’t have a diploma or certification to do the job. Men come with a range of fathering abilities. Some walk away from their children, leaving their offspring to forever wonder why. Others provide for their children’s every physical and emotional need. Most fathers fall somewhere in the middle, doing the best they can with what they’ve been given.

But, maybe children’s needs are bigger than what a mere father can provide. French philosopher Blaise Pascal said this: “There is a God shaped vacuum in the heart of every man which cannot be filled by any created thing, but only by God, the Creator, made known through Jesus.”

Maybe we ask too much of our fathers, when what we really need is a better relationship with our heavenly Father. God knew us before we were born. He wants a relationship with us. When we draw close to Him, we can tell Him what is on our hearts and He will whisper His love in our ear. He is more than willing and able to help us..

So all you dads out there, take heart. You have an important job, but you don’t have to play God. Instead, you can turn to Him as a ready source of wisdom for your role as father.

For down-to-earth help with parenting, check out these books: “The Five Love Languages of Children” by Gary Chapman; “Bringing Up Boys” by James C. Dobson; or “Have a New Kid By Friday” by Kevin Leman. Each of these men have a proven record in helping families.

You are welcome to share your own thoughts or memories in the comments section.