Father’s Day: An honest review.
On Father’s Day weekend people post all kinds of things about their dad’s. Many of the posts are positive, talking about special times and memories. Things people love about their father. He was patient, kind, took me fishing. Dad was always ready to listen. You know this type of post. It warms the heart. These are Fathers that put family first, were and are responsible and have a bond with their children.
There are however a few who don’t have good memories to share about a dad who was never there. He was abusive in some way, or just makes them sad on Father’s Day. This dad may have left your mother, abandoned your family, been cruel or withheld love from those he should have cared for. Alcohol or other chemical dependency may have played a role in poor financial decisions and selfish behavior that drove you apart. For some it empowers a dislike for any thought of him.
To be entirely honest, my father wasn’t perfect. I’m not perfect either. As we roll through Father’s Day weekend, let me be up front about about this. My Father passed away twelve years ago (2011). During the last few years of his life, we got closer than we had ever been. I can remember all his strengths and weaknesses. Before my family tells you how great a dad he was or how wonderful I am. Let me tell you the truth of who we are. Buckle up!
My Dad and I both have given the kids way too much soda (we always call it Coke). We let them stay up past bedtime on school nights. We both told our kids to punch a bully in the nose (sounds so harsh to type it!). My father and I used way too much salt on our food and have taken the kids to McDonald’s too often. The two of us also have watched excessive amounts of TV with our children. As fathers we spent more time than appropriate following our favorite sports teams (Go Browns!). Neither of us were great with manners but both of us love a good joke. You know the really long jokes that aren’t very funny, but you get people to listen to the whole thing and they groan at the end? That’s us.
Both dad and I played all kinds of music had a diverse group of friends and have never acted like we were perfect. I learned from my father how to say, I’m sorry and mean it. Because he knew how to apologize to my mom. Matter of fact the best part of my Father and I as parents is that we gave our kids a good Mother. Actually, we gave them great moms.
Mom gave us milk, put us to bed on time, told us to be kind, even to bullies. Mom gave us salad, hid the salt, turned off the TV, made us do homework instead of watching basketball. Both of our wives told our kids to have manners and not to repeat Dad’s bad jokes. After all, they aren’t funny.
My dad and I respect our wives. But sometimes, Father brings the FUN!
That’s part of what Father’s Day should be.
My favorite aspect of the earthly ministry of Jesus was that people got annoyed that He and the Disciples were eating in the wrong places at the wrong times. They were laughing and having a party when others expected these men to be more serious and follow more rules.
In John Chapter 9 (v10-11) we find Jesus with regular people chowing down. It was a party atmosphere.
“While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew’s house, many tax collectors and sinners came and ate with him and his disciples. When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?”
Jesus’ reply is awesome. He says, “I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”
Right after this, Jesus is questioned again (v15-16)
“Then John’s disciples came and asked him, “How is it that we and the Pharisees fast often, but your disciples do not fast?” Jesus answered, “How can the guests of the bridegroom mourn while he is with them? The time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them; then they will fast.”
Jesus goes on to explain that he’s not here to patch up the old expectations. He’s here to do things his way and He is new wine in new wineskins He is in charge (preserves) of both.
What the Lord means is that His ways and His sacrifice will save the sinner. The old ways that the religious leaders were following wouldn’t. They needed to enjoy and embrace Jesus and honor Him.
So what’s my point here?
Every Father is different. Not every father is the same and none of us are perfect. I’ve enjoyed sharing some of the funny things about my dad and I with you. I’ve smiled when telling you about our great wives. These women love us (obviously) and put up with our shenanigans.
But most of all, I’ve been happy to tell you about the Savior that my dad and I both have known.
Unlike us, Jesus was perfect, and people still judged Him. There are people that still judge Him today. Asking why He isn’t here and blaming Him for all of life’s problems.
We need to keep in mind that Jesus did everything His Father asked of Him and that was no easy task. The greatest thing we have on Father’s Day is the gift of that one Son Jesus who was obedient even to death on a cross for us, so that we can truly celebrate Father’s Day. Christ gave Himself as a sacrifice for our sin to unite us with our Heavenly Father. Our Brother paid the price for us to come home.
I hope you are home with the Father this Father’s Day.
He doesn’t want a card or a social media post from you. The Lord just wants your heart. He loves having you in His house and wants to bring you eternal joy. I don’t know what you’ve heard about God, but I can tell you He’s the best dad.
Happy Father’s Day!
Thekinner.com 