By the Waters of Babylon – Ps. 137:1
This coming Sunday is celebrated as Father’s Day, so here is a reflection on that esteemed calling. I’m guessing that everyone has heard the adage, printed on countless Father’s Day cards:
Anybody can be a father, but it takes a special man to be a dad!
In these days of absentee or excessively busy fathers, it is a good adage to remember.
When each of my children was born in England, the hospital gave every new father a set of things to think about. Let me quote them here and see if they resonate.
If you share in all their interests — all their happiness and cares;
Encourage without nagging – show your love in thought and deed;
If you help them find their talents and are proud when they employ them;
If you show by a good example what is right and what is wrong;
If you teach them independence so they learn to get along;
If you see their need for freedom, and yet help them, value family;
If you listen to their problems with an understanding heart;
And your influence goes with them even when you’re far apart;
Then your children will respect you and in you, they’ll always see just the kind of fine and special Dad that you hoped and prayed you’d be!
So, almost forty years later, I still aspire to do and be those things…..
Be happy…be careful…wash your hands…we will soon be together again!
