On Father’s Day

Father’s Day 2012 was a bit of a blur for me, which is a little ironic because the day was relatively uneventful.

I got up in the morning to a blog surprise from Caths, who wrote a sweet Father’s Day message for me on behalf of Nathan and Nicki.

Since I was up early, I took Nicki – who was also up early – to Jollibee where we drove-through for breakfast, then brought breakfast home to the thoughtful (albeit sleeping) wife and son.

Then they surprised me with this present.

I was so thrilled because I love For Better or For Worse; it’s one of my favorite comic strips, right after Calvin and Hobbes.

Afterward, my family and I went to the church in Greenhills where we worship, where I took home this central point:

What you may never have gotten from your dad, you can get from God; He will stoop down to make you great.

This affected me a lot, because I remember making this post three years ago, for Father’s Day 2009. In that post, I wrote:

Fatherlessness may very well be the most important sociological issue of our time, and I am inclined to agree. A home with an active and caring father is the best thing you can provide for your children. All your sons and daughters will create their templates of manhood from you, and carry that template over to their children, and so on. Cast your love for them upon them and you change their lives; cast your love for God upon them, and you change the world.

During his preaching, Dennis admitted he never got much encouragement from his father; when he got a hug at 19, he was set for life! My father, on the other hand, was generous with his praise, but I hungered for more attention, more physical presence. And I think that’s what affected me a lot about what Dennis said. In my opinion, this is the gist of his message, or certainly what I took home from it:

Whatever shortcomings your earthly father had do not matter, because your heavenly father is more than enough.

I am not the world’s best dad by any stretch of the imagination. I’m a miserable father, really: my temper could afford to be longer, and I could spend more time with my kids than with this laptop (as I type, my little girl is playing with her Barbie). But see, my shortcomings can be forgiven, and I need to take time to really shower God’s love on my kids.

A lot of dads, myself included, think we need to work harder to provide for our kids. Yes, we need to provide. But they need us more than money. They need our presence, our encouragement, our time.

And that was my big take-home today. I’ve always known it, but it’s always good to be reminded.

My kids don’t need my money. They need me.

And God as the Creator of Time, will multiply my time. And He did today. I enjoyed my time with my family today.

After church, we had a snack at Potdog and some delicious – DELICIOUS! – drinks at Dakasi. We then went to the mall to do some grocery shopping and pick up some awesome – AWESOME! – photos of our family from Pic-a-boo. We then went home, where we took a nap. I awoke to Nicki’s lying at my feet, and we went into the other room to play. (And surf. Sssh.)

Otherwise an ordinary day.

But you know what? I wouldn’t trade this day for most others. I got to spend it with my family, and I praise God that my family and I are together, and whole, and lovely. That’s the best Father’s Day present I could’ve ever hoped for.

 

Child of God • Husband • Father • Author • Food Blogger & Vlogger ••• Canberra, AU Welcome to my food blog! Currently in Canberra, AU until 2022! More than just food, though, I write about family, fun, and faith. Come join the journey!