The best dads I’ve known are the thankful ones. They know it’s a heck of a ride raising a family in this world, and they are grateful for the helping hand from Heaven, the ups, and even the downs. It’s beautiful to see my own father talking about where he came from and how he never dreamed of having all this when he was younger, sailing penniless from war-torn Siciliy at age 16. His gratitude for our country is inspiring and, together with his joy in his wife, children, and grandchildren, it’s a daily reminder to me of what matters most in life and what not to take for granted. I’m eternally thankful to my dad for this and countless other reasons.
I’m thankful for the fathers I’ve gained through family and friends, for those who have been a mentor, a support, a guide through the years. There have been fathers in my life who have borne illness, in themselves or in loved ones, physical and mental, and have shown me there is no shame in leaning on the Lord through it all, clinging to His love, mercy, and light— finding the reasons, yes, even in the darkest times, to praise.
“I thank the Good Lord each day,” my wife’s grandfather, Trifon, a father of ten, would say in his life-worn voice, but always with a gleam in his eye I will never forget. (shown above!)
For all of you, a few words…
To Fathers Today
The world says you’re not needed,
That anyone will do.
Yet, I have watched you walk through fire
And I know that it’s not true.
I’ve watched you die to self each day,
Seen you shoulder soul-breaking weight;
On your knees, unashamed to pray
To respond in love
When you could’ve chosen hate.
I’ve learned to work right by your side
Rising early and at once, and taking pride
Not in my way, but the right way
The way of truth and good,
In standing your ground
When the wolves come ‘round,
To be unafraid of “should.”
There’s a reason the enemy attacks us first,
A reason pride’s flown in the face of the Cross.
If we don’t hold our ground, it’ll only get worse.
If we don’t praise God in the battle
All will be lost.
Yet, I know, sure as the sun rises,
There’s no way we’re going down.
Our Lord likes His surprises.
Our Savior’s coming back to town.
Until that day, His Heart be ours
His Body, Blood our strength,
To tend as His hands, our precious flowers
To go forth in love, to any length.
They may say anyone can fill our shoes,
Answer the call of our baby’s cry;
That they can step in and take our dues.
Heaven and Hell come first—
I’d like to see them try.
Men, let’s stay focused on what God says about us, what He calls us to as fathers, either physically or spiritually or emotionally in today’s world.
Let’s praise God together for the fathers of our past, of today. For those who have fallen, or who have lacked from the start, let’s rise up and help them, reaching out in humility when we fall and need help, too. Let’s fill the void some fathers have left in their children’s hearts with love. Love heals every wound, but it’s gotta be the right kind of love— not just anyone’s version, but the Lord’s. (I addressed this in my post a while back during St. Joe’s month…)
If you have a dad you know who needs encouragement or appreciation, pass this on to them by forwarding the email or hitting the share button below, and be assured of my solidarity, my prayers, and my thankfulness for you all.
Michael
Yes and amen! Beautiful sentiments and truths. I am so grateful for our dad who loves and provides so much for his family. Lord, bless all the good fathers who do their best, and heal all the wounded fathers, that they may know you and be restored.
Thanks for putting words to shared sentiments! In this month of June we turn to praise of the Heart that "has loved us so, so much and received so little love in return"!