A Blessing on Father’s Day 2015

A Blessing on Father’s Day 2015

Dads come in all shapes and sizes, all different shades of skin—some with a lot of hair, some just a little, some with none at all. Some are young, some are old, some are grandpas, and some seem to be still wet behind the ears. Some dads are paid great honor and tribute by their children, while others are only made aware of their shortcomings and failings. The first human being God ever created also became the first father—have you ever thought about that? Right out of the gate, Adam had two very different, headstrong young men, Cain and Abel, difficult to parent for sure. And that first family did not have our culture with which to contend, or the pressures of our world today. 

God puts a high priority on parenthood, including honoring of one’s parents as number five of the Ten Commandments.1 Indeed, “Honor thy father and mother” is commanded in 10 different places in Scripture, and it is the only command that comes with a promise - Honor your father and mother. This is the first commandment with a promise: If you honor your father and mother, things will go well for you, and you will have a long life on the earth.2 

My son-in-law, Eric, called me from work today to check on Bennett... (my grandson who I watch every Thursday)...seems they had been up many times in the night as sweet Bennett is cutting his two-year molars. Nonetheless, Eric was off to work early (as that’s what responsible dads do), and called to check on his baby boy just the same. I am thankful God gave Bennett a dad like Eric—a man who loves God, and will be a great role model of a father and husband. 

Dear dads: so many thankless deeds, selfless tasks and tiresome duties oft unseen by others—things like rocking a hurting baby at night, putting together bicycles, coaching ball teams, working on math problems he can hardly remember how to do himself, hollering from the sidelines of countless sporting contests, and on it goes. 

God sees, and he values your love for your children, Dad. 

Eventually, many children see, appreciate, and grow from the sacrifices of their fathers. 

Life Lessons 

You may have thought I didn't see, 

Or that I hadn't heard, 

Life lessons that you taught to me, 

But I got every word. 



Perhaps you thought I missed it all, 

And that we'd grow apart, 

But Dad, I picked up everything, 

It's written on my heart. 

Without you, Dad, I wouldn't be 

The woman I am today; 

You built a strong foundation 

No one can take away. 



I've grown up with your values, 

And I'm very glad I did; 

So here's to you, dear father, 

From your forever grateful kid. Joanna Fuchs 

Sweet, huh? Our children see far more than we realize. If they see us practicing gratitude, one day they will express gratitude for who we have been and what we have done for them. 

May I offer two instructions from Scripture on this Fathers’ Day, Dads? First, don’t forget to share your spiritual journey with your children, as a father’s testimony is powerful. "Tell it to your children, and let your children tell it to their children, and their childrento the next generation.”3 Tell them the difference it makes to have God in your life when you’re scared, tired, unsure, and wanting the wisdom to live life. Second, Paul said: "Fathers, do not irritate and provoke your children to anger [do not exasperate them to resentment], but rear them [tenderly] in the training and discipline and the counsel and admonition of the Lord."4 Sometimes it is difficult to offer correction, or institute a consequence without belaboring the point or driving it home one time too many. 

A prayer: Dear Lord, I pray that you will bless fathers around our globe today. Bless and fill their hearts with love from you, their true Father, no matter how wonderful (or lacking) their own fathers were or have been. God, I pray that you will equip them with your wisdom which is pure, peace-loving, gentle, and full of mercy—shows no favoritism and is always sincere.5 May your favor rest upon them, confirm and establish the work of their hands,6 Lord God. Amen. 

God Bless You, Dads! 

1 – Exodus 20.12  2 – Ephesians 6.2-3  3 – Joel 1.3  4 – Ephesians 6.4, Amplified  5 – James 3.17  6 – Psalm 90.17