HE IS YOUR FATHER

"My son, do not despise the Lord's discipline and do not resent his rebuke, because the Lord disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in." Proverbs 3:11-12

The Bible has a lot to say about fathers. There is no way in which we can deal with all in this writing. The implications in these verses can help us understand what a father is. It could be reduced to this simple statement: The good father is the one who is disciplined and disciplining.

Fathers, maybe get crabby sometimes. Maybe they could tell you things a little more gently. Perhaps they even blame and scold you unfairly once in a while. But think of all the times when you did something wrong and got away with it.

And don't think your father is angry or grouchy every time he looks or talks in a serious way; maybe he's really worrying about you, and with good reason. The next time he scolds you, take it like a good soldier who has made a mistake. Don't ever go away with a grudge in your heart against your father, a grudge that won't wear off for three or four days.

You don't have to put a halo on your father's head or wings upon his shoulders to get the right picture of him. But remember that he is not just the man who provides the home in which you live, the food you eat, the clothes you wear and the money you spend; he’s your father!

Fathers get little in return for all they do and give. Love from his children? Certainly! But love packed in little packages and so tightly wrapped that poor father wears himself out looking for it. And it's a rare day when he has to get out an umbrella to protect himself against the showers of thanks that are rained upon him. But he keeps on working and providing and giving. He is satisfied with the happiness he provides for his family.

If I had to tell someone what a father really does that is important, it would be that he shows up for the job in good times and bad times. He’s a man who is constantly being observed by his children. They learn from him how to handle adversity, anger, disappointment and success.

He won’t laugh at their dreams no matter how impossible they might seem. He will get out of bed at 1 a.m. when one of his children runs out of gas. He will make unpopular decisions and stand by them while their children tell them that the hate them.

Fathers are not perfect although they may not be as imperfect as we think. Fathers get a lot of guff and too little credit. So it is good to have a day when we pause to honor or remember our fathers.