“Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong.” I Corinthians 16:13
This weekend, in the United States, we will celebrate Father’s Day. While much of the time it’s the mother who receives accolades for raising children, I know I could not do it without my husband. I know many, many women who feel the same way!
Dads everywhere, we want to publicly thank you!
Thank you for dragging yourself out of bed everyday to work and support your family. Whether you log in long hours in construction, home late and wearily dropping into bed as the sun sets in the evening, or if you are the businessman leaving for yet another business trip, you are working hard at the work you’ve been given to do, and you do it without complaining to support your family. Thank you!
Thank you for spending those precious moments with the kids in the evenings. When your little preschooler wants to ask just one more question before being tucked into bed, and you patiently answer, aware that these moments will not last forever. When your tween needs a playmate and you stop what you’re doing to play the Wii or cards with this child who isn’t really a child much more, you are building much more than a new high score. That person is realizing his importance as a human to someone paramount in his life. When you teach your teenager how to drive, not only are you imparting a necessary life skill, but you can so easily reaffirm who that new driver is as a person, encouraging her in all challenges in life, (and also saving the mother from much stress!)
Thank you for doing those little things that often go unnoticed.: taking out the trash, unloading the dishwasher, planning for a financial future. Helping around the house, even with one small task is a great reminder to your wife that she’s not alone in accomplishing these never-ending household chores, and builds her appreciation of you!
Thank you, men of integrity, who choose to look at all women respectfully. And when women don’t make proper choices, you treat her respectfully anyway, refusing to let your mind and your eye wander. Not only does your wife appreciate this more than you can imagine, but your daughters understand how women should be treated. Other girls you influence, girls at church, your kids’ friends, the neighborhood children, all note how you respond to others. The silent message you are sending is screaming one of integrity; Thank you!
Thank you, husbands of faith, who lead their families in times of thoughtful conversations, helping each member to search for and draw closer to God. You take your God-given responsibility seriously, and do not shrink from it. Without your leadership, we would not be recognizable as the people we are today.
Thank you, husbands who keep your marriage vows, and still search out romance with the woman you married, treating her like you did when you were dating. The years go by, and work and children consume your thoughts and your time, but a standing ovation to the men who still carve out creative dates with the woman they chose so long ago!
Children are a blessing, and marriage is a gift. Yet our world does not always applaud you for all you do, all the temptations you must refuse to keep you faith and your family intact. Above all, we want to publicly thank the men of integrity who put their faith first, allowing it to set their operating standards. We love you and we thank you!
Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you so much for giving us earthly fathers to help us understand who You are. Please strengthen our fathers, drawing each closer to You so that he in turn can lead his family to You. Please bless these men and their efforts, in decision-making for their families, in the work they do to support their families, and in their own spiritual lives. They can not teach what they do not know, Lord, so please draw each closer to You. Thank you for our fathers, Amen.