It’s Time to Honor Dad!

By:  Donna Martin

Fathering is a tough job.  A man takes upon himself responsibility for the welfare and well-being of his wife and children and also the upkeep and maintenance on the house, cars, yard, pool, etc.  Add to that the financial preparation for his children’s education and his retirement.  Then many men take care of the insurance for the family health, home, and car.  At least that’s what my dad did and that is what my husband does.

Not only are they responsible for our food, clothing, shelter, insurance, college, and retirement a good father is also the spiritual leader of the family.

To make matters more difficult a man’s self-esteem is tied to how successful he feels he is in all of these areas.

When you think about it our fathers and husbands need much more than one Sunday in June to receive our love and respect.

I am fortunate to have a Godly father.  He took our family to church every Sunday and on Wednesdays.  He had family devotions with us every night before we went to bed.  He taught us to love God and to love others.  He taught us to tithe.  He worked hard to provide for our family.  He was a man of integrity and was faithful to my mother.  He always did what he said he would do.  He honored his parents.  He is a gentleman.  He is strong and lives what he believes.

I was fortunate to marry the same kind of Godly man who possesses those same qualities that my dad has.  I have enjoyed raising a family with him, working with him, and learning from him.  We are best friends.

If you are fortunate to have a great dad, then let him know how much you appreciate him.  Not just this Sunday on Father’s Day, but weekly and even daily. Call him and talk to him.  Encourage him.  Thank him.  Spend time with him doing something you both enjoy.  Ask him for his advice. Invite him to lunch or dinner. 

Many people are not as fortunate as I have been.  So what can you do if your dad or husband is not really fulfilling his role?  Well, the first thing is DO NOT CRITICIZE!  That is the worst thing you can do to a man.  The best thing is show him respect.  Look for ways to build him up.  Look for the good things that he does even if they may be hard to find.  Call him and talk to him even if that is difficult to do.  More than anything pray for him and love him.  Only God can change a person.  If your dad or husband does not have a relationship with Christ then it is even more important that you live a life of love and respect toward him.

“Honor your father and mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you.”  Exodus 20:12

The Martins currently present “Happy Together” marriages seminars for churches and organizations.  To schedule a seminar call Michael at 940-735-1515. They also publish a weekly “Happy Together” Blog about family and marriage issues.  You can order copies of their new books Dancing With Death and 366 Tidbits We Have Learned in 14,610 Days of Marriage, read, and subscribe to their “Happy Together” Blog by logging onto the Martin’s website at www.happytogethermarriage.com.