Children, do what your parents tell you. This is only right. "Honor your father and mother" is the first commandment that has a promise attached to it, namely, "so you will live well and have a long life." Fathers, don't exasperate your children by coming down hard on them. Take them by the hand and lead them in the way of the Master.
Ephesians 6 - The Message
Nope, we didn't grill today. We didn't have lots of sappy gift giving and sentimentality. We cooked spaghetti (a yearly request) and we had cards and lots of conversation, but we didn't go over the top. It's a hard day for the dad in this house....his own father died 35 years ago on Father's Day. The girls and I have worked hard over the years to honor their dad, and yet remain gently sensitive about how he struggles on this paradoxical day. David greatly honored his father today, and I'm sure he didn't even think about it. He goes about the mission much like I think his father did...quietly, purposefully, intentionally and prayerfully. In that vein, he touched many lives.
Today on Father's Day while many were celebrating, David:
- set up beds for the homeless families sleeping in our church
- organized a pot luck supper for these families
- comforted and counseled a young father who may go to prison because he is out of work and can't pay child support
- helped two little girls find temporary housing for their beloved family dog because they have no home now
- will probably be driving the dog to a foster home two hours away
- dealt with an angry congregant who had the nerve (my emphasis) to tell him that his message (the Good News of Jesus Christ) was negative and that was causing people to leave the church...
David, thanks for your heart, soul and the gifts you have given (and continue to give) to our daughters and children everywhere. Your dad would be proud.
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