Was Father’s Day set up to even things out for the other half of the baby-making duo? (If you are confused, see Mother’s Day post) Or was it created so men could have an excuse to do whatever they want to one day of the year? I take being a father very seriously and it has been my most important and favorite role in this lifetime. It started that miraculous day they were born, and it has been a pleasure watching them grow up to become beautiful, loving, responsible adults. Knowing that I played a part in that journey brings me so much joy and satisfaction.
Even though being a father is important to me, I was not always at my best. The impact of those moments and choices on your children can live on forever. The following is my favorite story on this subject
A Daughter’s Gift
For years, he had thought his duty as a father was to provide food, clothing, and a roof
for his children. Sometimes, this meant working 2full time jobs and, even then, his family
was barely able to make ends meet. Special times were few and far between, so on his
birthday, when his 12- year old daughter handed him a large, exquisitely wrapped
present, the swell of anticipation momentarily washed away all the worries.
The wrapping paper was beautiful and topped with a shiny bow biggerthat his fist.
“Go on, Daddy,” his daughter urged eagerly, “open it.”
He hurriedly unwrapped the gift and lifted the lid, only to find the box empty. “What kind
of sense does this make?” he asked. “There is nothing here but fancy paper and a big
bow.”
His daughter’s fragile smile disappeared. “I didn’t have very much time or money…”
He pressed, “So you spent it this way? Wrapping an empty box? That’s rather foolish,
isn’t it?”
“It isn’t empty,” she meekly offered.
He turned the box upside down and shook it. Nothing came out. “Sure looks empty to
me.”
“Before….” She paused, with a look on her face that he would hold in his memory
forever…”before I wrapped it, I blew a kiss into the box.”
In an instant, the box grew heavy in his hands, and he saw inside much more than a kiss.
He saw a beautiful daughter.
Happy Father’s Day! Celebrate however you want. Remember, without our children, we are not fathers. Just as a leader without followers, is not a leader. Be aware of your impact on others.
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