The Tribune

By Rev Angela C Bosfield Palacious

GOD our Father is the one to whom we turn for wisdom, forgiveness and love. As Psalm 71 states: “O Lord, you alone are my hope, I’ve trusted you, O Lord, from childhood. Yes, you have been with me from birth; from my mother’s womb you have cared for me. No wonder I am always praising you! (5-6) I will tell everyone about your righteousness. All day long I will proclaim your saving power, for I am overwhelmed by how much you have done for me (v 15).”

Let God be your model and image of loving fatherhood.

For those of us who have the memory of a loving earthly father or father substitute, we know how the deep voice giving directives can be tempered by a warm smile and gentle touch. My father spanked me once; all other times it was a stern lectures on his expectations and my disappointing behaviour that dissolved me into tears. It was much easier to be a good girl than to see the sadness in his eyes. I wanted to please him and make him feel proud of me.

There is a certain security that a faithful father brings to the life of a family. It is he who protects his spouse from harsh treatment, if at all possible, by taking responsibility in areas where she may be dominated by children or outsiders. There are situations that seem not to arise when the two stand together. His children are less likely to be bullied if he is seen dropping them off or picking up. There are times when a strong male presence makes all the difference.

A father who pays for his children to enjoy a comfortable existence or, to the best of his ability is seeking to provide at least basic needs, sends a strong message that he truly cares about their wellbeing. Too many of our children feel neglected or abandoned through no fault of their own because life is so precarious for them. Unjust suffering produces anger which may then be misdirected.

Being present for games and recitals, special family events and family activities, makes it clear that, on those occasions, the family is more important than the father’s work, sports, or civic groups. Feeling loved and affirmed, appreciated and approved is closely tied to time spent when it is desired, and especially when it is required (for example PTA meetings and parent-teacher conferences). Do not short-change your family, gentlemen; put at the top of your to do list to love them in tangible ways.

If you are a team player on the field or court, you know that practice together is important, and that building team spirit, boosting morale and learning to communicate well are vital components in order to win. The same is true for building a solid foundation for family life. You have to be there, involved, interested, enthusiastically participating in homework, house work, leisure activities, prayerfully helping each member to cope with the various crises that present themselves from day to day.

Father’s Day is the time to recall the various categories of wonderful men who have loved us in appropriate ways over the years and have helped to shape us into who we are today.

Let us give God praise and thanks for the institution of the family and the gift of fatherhood.