Father’s Day is, on one hand, another of those bogus Hallmark holidays (no offense, Hallmark). On the other hand, it is a tradition that encourages at least one day of reflection on fatherhood and what it means to be a dad.
(my dad with my brothers, not sure why Jason is muggin')
For many people, it is a painful reminder of their own experience of fatherhood. Perhaps a good dad was taken too soon; perhaps a horrible father wasn’t taken soon enough; perhaps there was not one at all beyond the initial biological instigation.
Remarkably enough, the U.S. Congress delayed any sort of official recognition of Father’s Day out of a concern that it would become commercialized (we need that Congress now!). The cynic in me agrees with that sentiment. However, as someone who has begun to appreciate the role of tradition (i.e. holidays) in human life and culture, I’m grateful for the opportunity to say THANKS! to my dad and for the reminder to give due consideration to my own efforts to be a good father.
As a father to two incredibly, amazing, marvelous daughters, I am humbled by the enormity of the responsibility, intimidated by the scope of the task, and thankful for the grace given by The Father that has, so far, enabled me not to completely botch the assignment. Though they are now adults, I will continue to work at being the father they need and a dad who’s easy to love. (or, as the Scriptures command, one who doesn’t exasperate his children)
To all those dad’s doing their best – keep up the good work! Nothing else matters as much. To all those fathers hurting their children – may God have mercy on you because the rest of us won’t. To all those young men who might risk giving me a grandson – you’d better think twice. (I’m not afraid to go back to prison.)
my two beauties
A Few Fast Facts on Father’s Day (from the great Wiki):
- Holiday (or version of) observed in 55 countries
- Idea originated with a Presbyterian woman
- First observance in 1910 in Spokane, WA
- Became a national holiday in 1972
More interesting stats on fathers and Father’s Day from the Census Bureau.
Posted in Miscellaneous | Comments (1)
Posted on Sunday, 20th June 2010 by Bill Bean
