Have you noticed a difference in how Father's Day is honored compared to Mother's Day? Mothers are celebrated and showered with flowers and love. Long distance calls and greeting card sales peak every year on Mother's Day. However, the typical dad on Father's day often gets a tie, socks, or a lecture about how he can improve.

Fathers make a huge difference in a family. A recent study found over half the children born in the U.S. today have no father in the home. Consider all the problems a family with no father presents. Father's can make a big difference in the lives of their sons and daughters. A dad is a son's first best friend and a daughter's first boyfriend.


Too many times, however, fathers are not a positive role model in the family and don't provide the love and attention children need. If your relationship with your father was difficult growing up, forgive him for his actions and let him know you understand there may have been outside influences that caused him to react the way he did. Society's expectations of men's roles in the family today have changed dramatically from past generations.

Fathers - this year turn the tables on your family on Father's Day. Don't wait for their praise and adoration. Instead, bless your children or grandchildren with your time and kind words. Give them a big hug and tell them you love them. Say a prayer of thanksgiving out loud to God for them. Do something out of the ordinary with them to create a lasting memory. Also, don't forget to do something special for Mother and thank her for bringing your children into the world and assisting with their upbringing.

Moms - show your appreciation to your children's Dad on Father's Day. Let him know what positive things he has done.

Sons and daughters - honor and thank your dads with your words and attention. Thank him for whatever good times you have enjoyed growing up. Tell him how he was a good role model for you. If you are grown, let him know how much more you appreciate him now and acknowledge the sacrifices he made for you. If he has passed away, talk to him just as if he were in front to you.

As we reflect on Father's day, we should all remember God is everyone's Father. Without him in the family, all types of problems exist. With him in the family, problems may still exist but they tend to be more manageable, especially when your faith is strong. Father's Day is always honored on a Sunday. Remember to honor your heavenly Father on this special holiday and all year long. Not only did God give you life here on Earth but also an opportunity for life eternally with him through his Son - Jesus.

Jim Martin

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