Father's Day, like Mother's Day is a mixed bag of emotions for many people. Some people were blessed to have dynamic dad's who filled many of their emotional needs...provided Godly discipline and loving direction.
Some were fatherless. That does not mean that there was no "man" in the house. It means that the "father" relationship left scars and empty places in the soul of the child. Those holes cannot be filled even though many children will seek other avenues and social interactions to cover the cavern.
Many "fatherless" children will grow up and replay the drama of their own lives. The very character traits that left chasm's and that they hated, will be repeated with their own children. And so the sins of the father are passed on from one generation to the next.
As the commercial says "stop the madness!" How? I doubt there is a single father who begins having children with the desire to "screw-up" their kid. Every father promises his wife, child and God..."I will not repeat what I have experienced." The failure rate is high, but it can be done, but not alone.
God can enter a fathers life and change character traits and heart crushing behaviors. The struggle will be daily but well worth the effort. The long term effects of loving with the heavenly Father's love will change lives and "stop the madness!"
For all the dad's, including myself...give yourself grace and mercy...God does! Be sure to recommit yourself to the 3 C's: Closeness, Compassion and Care. Be willing to apologize for past behaviors and move forward.
Keep your eyes on the one Great Father...God in heaven.
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