Speaking as a father myself, Fathers Day is seen by most of us as just another day. Being a good dad does not require a special day of thanks. For a really good dad, what gets done flows through a deep need to protect the ones he loves, provide for them as best he can, and show them love as often as possible.
Those things come different for every day I think. The basic needs of a child are a given. They need a place to sleep, food on the table, and love. Those things are the very basics for being a good dad. And, if I may add, I use the word “good” in front of dad because there are far too many that are not good dads.
The key ingredient of being a good dad, to me anyway, is sacrifice. The moment you become a dad, a good one anyway, what you want, or what you need, becomes secondary to the wants and needs of your child. Same premise goes for being a good husband. When you wear the name “daddy” sacrifice just becomes a part of your life. I say that with the knowledge that the best father that ever was, God Himself, sacrificed for us, and sacrificed the ultimate gift ever.
I don’t want to get all preachy here, but our heavenly Father gives us the perfect blueprint of how we should be as a father ourselves. Unending, love, total sacrifice, forgiveness and eternal provision are the attributes that He shows to us and the same ones we should show to our children.
If you want to be considered a “good” dad, you just have to have those attributes.
One only has to watch the news to know that there are a lot of bad dads out there. Thankfully, for most of us, we only have to look around in our own little worlds to see a plethora of those good dads. In my personal little world I see so many on a daily basis. To name them all would take more space than we have here on this page. But, since I have the privilege of filling this space, I would like to name a few of my fav, good dads.
Through my eyes, the best dad on the planet right now is my son-inlaw. His devotion runs deep and he has all of those attributes listed above. As the daddy of girls, all you ever want for them when they gain a husband is one who pledges to always take care of them and love them, like you did, or even better. He does.
I have to list my own dad here as well. He is a man that despite all, has an unwavering love for his kids. Even at the age of 83, he still shows his love for his kids in every way possible, and does so with a love of God that shows visibly. He makes a mean breakfast too.
If you would indulge me to just rattle off a few other names that I consider to be the best dads in my little world, I would list Chad, Charles, Robert (better known as Coach), Raul, Pistol, Kevin, Lane, Rip and the list could go on. Being a good dad is not a rare thing. We should always look to the positive and know that there are so many more good ones, then the bad ones that make the headline news.
So, as Fathers Day comes, be grateful if you have a good one. Show them you love them in whatever way you choose. Just know, in his heart, all he really needs is to know you love him, and need him. If you are one who has lost that man in your life, focus on the memories, and let them hug you.
Happy Fathers Day to all of the good ones.
