A Father's Legacy

"...parents are the pride of their children." Proverbs 17:6 Today is Father's Day. For many, this is a day of celebration; reflecting on our husbands as fathers, paying tribute to our own dads for what they are to us. But for many this is a solemn day. For those that have lost a father, it's a day of mourning. For those who are estranged from their father, it's just another reminder that their dad isn't who they want them to be. For those that were never able to become a father, it's a day of sadness. The role of a father is important. The role of a father is important to a son. He is the one his son imitates - both the good and bad qualities - and lives them out in his adult life. He is the one his son looks up to for guidance, love, and acceptance, even when he acts like he doesn't care about it. He is the one who will teach his son, without even trying, how to be a man, a husband, a father. His son will learn this just by watching. The role of a father is important to a daughter. He is the one his daughter looks for in a mate. It isn't until you are married that you realize this. Images and feelings, ingrained in you before you were even aware of them, play out in your adult life based on what you grew up with. How she should be treated, what is expected of her, how she is cherished (or not) are all things she will learn from her father and expect from the next important male in her life. The role of a father is important to a wife. A woman was not built to handle both the father and mother roles, and sadly, many have to do this. There are abilities only a father has that can fill a child's needs. The house is to be led by the man. A woman looks to her husband for leadership, but also compassion and understanding. She looks to him to respect her opinion, gain from her insight, and acknowledge what she means to the family, and him. This Fathers Day I am remembering my own Dad. What a wonderful example I had in what a father should be, what a husband should be, what a friend should be. I am missing him a lot today. I miss his voice, his hugs, and his belief in me that I could do anything. I also am thankful today that my husband and brother are now fathers. They, in part because of our father's example, are wonderful fathers themselves. I am so proud of both of them. Today I am also thankful for the best Father of them all - my Lord. He showed the greatest love by sending his son to pay for my sins. He always is the voice of reason. He constantly supports and guides his children. He always forgives, never condemns, disciplines when necessary and always, always loves. His embrace can ease the greatest sadness, his hand can calm the worst fear. His love can mend the brokenness of what an earthly father has done, or cannot do. This Fathers Day I am remembering all the wonderful fathers in my life, and putting them on the pedestal they deserve to be on. There is nothing like a father. No, nothing quite like a Father.