A Father's Legacy

Today is Father's Day. This special day for dads was first promoted in 1908, after being inspired by the Mother's Day movement. However, unlike Mother's Day, it has had a long uphill battle finding its place in American culture.

It was not recognized by our government until 1966 when President Lyndon B. Johnson issued the first presidential proclamation honoring fathers, designating the third Sunday in June as Father's Day. Six years later, in 1972, it was made a permanent national holiday by President Nixon.

Despite having its own national holiday, society has, largely due to breakdown of the family, down played the importance of fatherhood in recent years. But there is no denying the powerful impact dads can and should have on their children.

We are products of our genetics and environment, and dads play a major role in both. Sadly, many dads have failed to shape their children's environment in a positive way. Many have abandon their parental role, and others have minimized it by seeking fulfillment in careers, wealth accumulation, self-amusement, and self-gratification.

When I first began in the ministry, I had a couple of older ministers tell me of their one regret in  ministry: they wished they had spent more time with their children. I have tried to not make the same mistake even at the risk of criticism from church people.

For me, this Father's Day will be spent like many others. Instead of some self-absorbed activity like getting drunk (I don't drink at all), it will be spent with my children, either playing putt-putt golf, or on a tennis court--this year the tennis court. Making them smile and hearing them laugh, often at my lack of skill, is worth the sore muscles and achy joints I will endure on Monday morning. After burning off many calories on the court, we will then head to the Dairy Queen for ice cream.

In the end, I may not have much money, own a large house, or drive a fancy car when I die. But if I can leave behind memories that are treasured by my children, and values that are ingrained in them, I will have given them a legacy of more value than the rich and famous could ever hope to match.

As I look back on this Father's Day weekend, it's been seventeen years since I last saw my dad. I still think of him often. When I do, the aroma of his treasured after shave lotion, Old Spice, seems to fill the air. Sometimes I think I can feel his coarse whiskers as they rub against my face whenever I gave him a goodbye hug. Memories are a wonderful gift God has bestowed on us. It enables us to keep our loved ones with us to some degree. I treasure the memories, but I wish I could give him one more hug. Since I can't, I'll give my kids one extra hug.

Children with living fathers and fathers with living children have an opportunity to make the most of their lives on this Father's Day. Don't neglect it. Don't blow it. If distance doesn't allow for a visit or joint activity, do Face Time or Skype, or at least a simple phone call.

Why not take a page out of Adam LaRoche's book. The former Chicago White Sox slugger walked away from a contract that would have paid him $13 million this season because team president Ken Williams told LaRoche that he had to limit the time his 14-year-old son, Drake, spent with the team.

As a result, LaRoche, 36, announced his retirement, hinting at the reason behind his decision in a tweet posted that same day. He tweeted, "Thank u Lord for the game of baseball and for giving me way more than I ever deserved! #FamilyFirst."

Where does your family, especially your children fit into your priority list? What have you recently given up for your children? If still living, what have you given up for your dad?

I want to leave you with two things I'm thankful for and two things for you to think about. The first is that although I'm thankful I had a good dad for 43 years of my life, it wasn't long enough. We dads need to take care of our health for our kid's sake. The second is that I'm thankful that my Christian faith gives me the hope of seeing my Dad again. Making the most of life means making the most of this life and having hope of eternal life.

2016 Father's Day with my daughter (Elizabeth) and my son (Evan)