Today is Father’s Day. Of course, there are some normal and customary things that have and will take place on this day; Father’s Day cards from family; texts from various people wishing me a Happy Father’s Day; a sermon from my pastor extolling all the facets of being a father, making sure to point out the flawless attributes of our heavenly father. This morning, as he was going through his sermon, I found myself thinking about the plethora of fathers that exists. There are good ones and bad ones, not so bad ones and a variety of others that fall at various points along the scale of measurement. During the forty-five years I’ve been a father, I think I’ve landed at enumerable measures along the scale. Being a father is one of those jobs, responsibilities, privileges that is sometimes scary, sometimes overwhelming, but in all a joy.
I remember the first time I saw each of my kids. The emotional state that first look caused was uncertainty to say the least. I was overjoyed to have this little human being come into my life, but my mind was filled with questions; for example, what I am supposed to do now, how will I care for them when they get sick; how I will answer the tough questions they are bound to present me; can I help prepare them for the life they’ll have ahead. Funny thing is they’re all adults now and I still find myself asking some of these same questions. I finally came to realize that as long they and I are still alive, I’ll continue to be that person, that father who stands in the gap for challenges that confront them. Being a father is a job one never resigns from. It ends much like part of the vow taken in a marriage…’til death do us part.
On this Father’s Day, I can say without doubt to my three kids it has been a privilege to be your father. It hasn’t always been easy; however, it’s been a gift from God to experience your life to this point. As I’m getting older and dealing with health issues that make life more challenging, I pray that I’m around for years to come to see you, to be with you and watch you experience a few senior years. I’ll still be asking myself those same questions: what I am supposed to do now, how will I care for them when they get sick; how I will answer the tough questions they are bound to present me; can I help prepare them for the life they’ll have ahead.
Thank God for the privilege of being a father to you (Felicia, Cecily, and Andrew). And kiddos, thank you for allowing me to be a father to you.
I’m old and blessed…hope you will be too.
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