A Congregational Letter to Morgan’s Point and Forks Road East United Churches
Happy Father’s Day – Dads! There is an old saying: “Any man can be a father, but it takes a special person to be a dad.”
I never thought much about what it takes to be a father, or much about whether my own father was a father, or a dad, until I was an adult. Once you are an adult, you have the wisdom to see your father for what he is; and was; and what he does - and has done for you and your family, over the years.
For some of us - our fathers are but a cherished memory now; others of us continue to be blessed with the opportunity to share good times, concerns, and conversations with our dads.
If your Dad was like my Dad, their shared goal was undoubtably to provide for their family. Family responsibilities, chores, and tasks ahead of our Dads, never left them with time to be idle.
I believe, the most important lesson my Dad ever taught me is the one thing he probably never realized he was teaching me. He taught me that you judge the character of a person by his or her actions, not by their words.
Through his life example, Dad taught me - that I was what I did. Dad always did what he said he would do. He is a man of his word, a man of incredible honour and integrity, a man who through his actions influenced the lives of more people than he realized.
I have learned a great deal from all of the men in my family. My Dad, grandfathers, and uncles have each provided examples of what it means to be a father. Beyond all of the usual roles of provider, caregiver, confidant and sometimes even family peacekeeper, I believe that the father-figures in our lives help us to understand that one of the most important things all of us must strive to be is a good role model.
Fathers - you may be someone who has fathered a child, or you may have assumed the role of a mentoring Father, but you are God’s expression of love, wisdom, humour, and hard workingness for those in your life.
No matter your age; where you live; or who the children are who need you - you are there to reassure, to listen, and to love. God bless you. We are so grateful for what you have done - and continue to do in life - as you nurture, love, and support all the children God has placed in your care. Happy Father’s Day - to all of you!
I would invite you, as always, to continue to pray for one another every morning at 10:30, remembering that God grants us wisdom, love, and peace as we hold each other in God’s tender keeping. Much love and care to you all keep well and safe.
God’s Blessings,
Pastor Laura