In Praise Of Dad

When we think of families, we first think of mothers; fathers most often come in second. Mother's Day was observed nationally decades before there was ever a Father's Day. Perhaps it's time we said something in praise of dad!

Each parent plays a unique, equally-important, role in making their family the best family possible. The role of the father, however, is often over-looked. An unknown poet had written this tribute to all fathers, and fathers-to-be:

"I may never be as clever as my neighbor down the street,

I may never be as wealthy as some other men I meet;

I may never have the glory that some other men have had,

But I've got to be successful as a little fellow's dad!

There are certain dreams I cherish that I'd like to see come true,

There are things I would accomplish 'ere my working time is through;

But the task my heart is set on is to guide my little lad,

And to make myself successful as that little fellow's dad!

It is that one job I dream of --- it's the task I think of most,

If I'd fail that growing youngster I'd have nothing of which to boast;

For though wealth and fame I'd gather, all my future would be sad,

If I failed to be successful as that little fellow's dad!

I may never get earth's glory --- I may never gather gold,

Men may count me as a failure when my business life is told;

But if he who follows after me is Christian, then I will be glad,

For I'll know I've been successful as that little fellow's dad!"

Being a father is the most important thing a man can do/be

in this life! Being a good father comes first -- comes ahead of

personal satisfaction and pleasure, comes before our work,

comes ahead of making money, comes before ruling over our family as "king-of-the-castle."

Being a Christian father involves loving our family like Christ loves his Church! It means caring about our family-members first and putting ourselves last, in the same way that Christ cares about his Church!

So, fathers, let's take our God-given role in the family seriously! Let's be a shining example of what a man and a husband and a father should be! Let's celebrate this Father's Day by telling our wife and children how much we love them and appreciate them; let's show them, by our words and deeds, how much they mean to us! Finally, let's graciously and gratefully accept the love they give us in return!

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!

Dr. Don Kuehle

United Methodist, Retired

Jackson, Missouri