Dad's Day

I imagine most fathers would agree with Brad Meltzer, author and TV host. 

We are all ordinary. We are all boring.

We are all spectacular.  We are all shy.

We are all bold.  We are all heroes.

We are all helpless. It just depends on the day. 

Fathers are not just ordinary people to their families.  They are key to the family environment, safety, security, contentment, faith, and love.  Fathers can partner with their spouse to create an atmosphere of acceptance, love, peace, hope and accountability. Fathers are the example of what an adult man should be for the young men who idolize and look up to them.  They are a living model of the way to treat a woman, a child, friends, neighbors, co-workers and acquaintances.

A father lives his life as a as a positive resource for his family.  If he puts God first, everything else will fall into place.  Children love, forgive and accept their fathers simply because you are their father. Some children equate their fathers with God since he is called our father.  It is a responsibility of great importance.  Children notice how a father acts.  Is he honest, trustworthy, kind, reverent, and a comfortable listener and teacher?  

There are many fathers in this world.  Biological fathers, step fathers, adoptive fathers, foster fathers, godfathers, substitute fathers, mentors and friend fathers.  Each one is a piece of the puzzle of the questions of life.  Children literally and figuratively look up to the adult males in their lives to figure out how to become a man.  Little girls want to know that they are loved, appreciated, and protected by males in their lives. All children need parents or significant adults to remind them they are special and loved unconditionally.  

Fathering is a life-altering experience for all traditional and nontraditional families.  Remember that you hold a particularly exhausting and many times a thankless job.  The pay of hugs, adoration, utter trust, and gifts made from the heart are not very lucrative financially, but are treasures to be cherished.  

If you feel overwhelmed with fatherhood, remember this quote from St. Philip Neri.  

"Cast yourself into the arms of God and be very sure that if God wants anything of you, God will fit you for the work and give you strength."

Happy Father's Day to all formal and informal fathers!  

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