Holidays

Lot's of people don't seem to really care about holidays. Many of our friends are quite cynical about them, convinced they are mostly Hallmark marketing ploys. But I disagree. Holidays are great markers to remember the important things in our lives. President Washington was called the Father of our country for a reason. We should all take some time to give thanks to God for all that we have. And St. Patrick was quite an example of courage and faith. It is a good thing to remember things like this, and quite biblical. God often told His people to put up markers that point to something great that God did, or named landmarks in the same way. So here are few thoughts on recent holidays...they do matter

FATHER'S DAY

"Having five children has taught me a truth as cosmic as any that you can find on a mountain in Tibet: There are no absolutes in raising children...The game may be messy, but I have never found one with more rewards and joys." Bill Cosby, Fatherhood
Yesterday was Father's Day. It's always fun to see what the kids will do. They usually make me something or draw me a picture. One year my wife had them write down the things they appreciate most about me-that was one of my favorites. I remember my son wrote something like "He plays with me!" Yes, that is true and there is nothing more fun for me.

But I am afraid our society doesn't really know what to do with fathers, even the church. We are largely given lip service, even though in the last several years there have been several studies showing the importance of fathers. Most tv shows, commercials and movies portray fathers as idiots or angry demigods. Recently we watched Man from Snowy River and Back to the Future. These classics both have fathers who are like this. So does Little Mermaid or Flicka. Even in National Treasure 1 and 2 and Indiana Jones the father is paranoid or very eccentric (but likeable, I admit.) Do we ever see a good, smart,well-adjusted brave Father? I can't think of one. As our kids watch a steady diet of this, are we really surprised if they disrespect us?

The church isn't a whole lot better. For Mother's Day our church gave all the moms flowers, had them stand, and talked about how wonderful mothers are (and they are!!) On Fathers' Day, we got to stand....but to be prayed for. The pastor challenged us in the sermon. No gift. No honor. No real appreciation. Instead, we need to be fixed, to do better.... And it is like this pretty much every year.

I try to take it all in stride and just enjoy the greatest gift I have ever been given-my kids. Doubtless, many fathers do need to do better. But is that really the theme of Father's Day?

I think if we valued fathers more, maybe they would want to do even better in their role...and even want to stay there.

So next year, why not try to make Father's Day a bigger deal... and see what happens.