Father’s Day signifies something different for every father and child. For many, the day presents precious moments of reflective acknowledgement and expressed appreciation. It can be a time of community in which we have the opportunity to place ourselves in our Fathers’ shoes, to momentarily see our small worlds through their eyes.
Eager to understand how and why Father’s Day is so important to us, I asked some fathers in my Church community some questions about fatherhood and how they felt about Father’s Day.
[Me]: What’s your favorite part of being a dad?
[Dad A]: I’ve loved watching my kids grow closer to God. I’ve loved watching them use their skills and talent to glorify Him!
[Dad B]: My favorite part is the privilege and opportunity I have to father three human beings. I get the chance to disciple them so that they’ll become people who will carry the same legacy.
[Dad C]: When I get to teach them God’s ways and see them following His leading.
[Me]: What are your favorite memories of your children? Do you have any particular parenting experiences that you value most?
[Dad A]: Family holidays for sure. Fishing in Southern England with my kids was one of my favorite things to do. We’d spend weekends and summers laughing together on the beach, climbing rocks, and catching crabs.
[Dad B]: Summer vacations! We got to spend quality time together as a family.
[Dad C]: I think my favorite part was the whole thing: seeing them grow into the people they are now. I love thinking back to the days when they were still dependent on me. They’ve changed so much and have different personalities! I can’t believe how much they have overcome. They faced so many challenges when we moved here to the United States.
[Me]: What do you consider to be your strengths/strong-suits when it comes to being a father?
[Dad A]: I’m not sure if I have strong suits.
[Dad B]: I believe my strength is my ability to meet them at their level. I can be their Dad and their friend at the same time.
[Dad C]: I’ll do whatever it takes to protect my kids.
[Me]: What do you consider to be your shortcomings/areas of improvement when it comes to being a father?
[Dad A]: I have lots of those! I think one thing in particular is that I don’t think I tell them I love them enough.
[Dad B]: My weakness is definitely my temper!
[Dad C]: My weakness is that I don’t want to see my family sad. And I’m really good at spoiling my kids too!
[Me]: Finally, is Father’s Day special to you? If so, why?
[Dad A]: It reminds me of my solemn responsibility to be a Father to my children and it connects me back to the fatherhood of God in my life.
[Dad B]: It feels so special to get all of the attention for a day. You get to feel like you’re passing on a legacy to your kids – especially the love of Christ!
[Dad C]: It’s a time to reflect upon what I am lacking in as a Father, a time to receive my family’s affirmations, and a time to mend and evaluate my shortcomings.
Week after week, I watch these fathers invest their time, love, and wisdom into the lives of their children. I cannot help but think of how privileged we are to have such guardians. I know many do not have the opportunity to experience the protection, guidance, and friendship of an earthly father; but we are all blessed to have a heavenly Father. And if such delight can be found in the love of a human father, how much more in the divine love of our gracious God!
“If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!” – Matthew 7:11 (ESV)
Written by Jeka
Image credit: Jeka Santos
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