The ARDS Foundation - Body, Mind, & Spirit

By Pastor Ian

Father's Day

Thanks to Richard Nixon signing a presidential proclamation in 1972, the third Sunday in June is Father’s Day. It has however been celebrated since the beginning of this century. It is of course a day set aside to honor one’s father, and who better to do this than young children who, for the most part, see their parents through rose coloured spectacles.

In a classroom this year the children (6 year olds) were asked to write a letter to their father’s so that they would have something to give to ‘Dad’ on the day. Here is some of what was written to the letter that started:

Dear Dad,

I think you are wonderful. Two reasons are you sparkle when you smile and you buy me good stuff.
This is why you are the best dad.

Hugs and kisses,

XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOX

(The XO’s went on for the rest of the page in most letters.)

Now here are some of the ways in which the children expressed their admiration and love for their father. (Or in some cases ‘uncle’ where a child’s father was no longer around)

You buy me candy when mom says not to

You drive me places

You let me watch a lot of TV

You buy me things even though I don’t ask

You are brave and strong (This child’s father is a firefighter)

You bake cakes

You help me with my homework

You play (baseball, hockey, soccer) with me

You read to me and when I want to read to you, you let me

You go quading with me (4 wheeling)

When I can’t reach things, you pick me up

You will never leave me

You will love me forever (dad in this family had passed away)

You always care for me

You let me stay up late

You never miss one of my games

The reasons given for Dad being so wonderful are many and various however they are, for the most part, ‘doing’ reasons. Dad is great because he does something to gain the love and affection of his daughter or son. And when you look at the reasons given by the children, there is not one of them that really takes much effort other than “being there” for the child. i.e. you always care for me /you are brave and strong /when I can’t reach things you pick me up.

As adults we can learn much from our children and grandchildren. At this early stage in their lives they require very little other than love and attention…lots of it.

Our friends on the prayer list of the ARDS Foundation require very little from us other than our Love, expressed through our prayers for them, and Attention, expressed through the efforts
of the medical team and our presence in the ICU. As this Father’s Day comes and goes, let us remember it for what it calls us to do and be for others.

We are asked to be a loving presence in their lives. It can’t get any easier than that, can it?

Shalom

Pastor Ian XOXOXO

Pastor Ian.