Happy Father’s Day to all my readers who are fathers. On this day in which we celebrate fatherhood, I want to offer a word of encouragement to all of you.
As a father of two, I know that being a father is not always an easy or joyous office. There are long days and even longer nights, filled with frustration and setbacks. But what a great responsibility we have.
Consider what a blessing and what an opportunity we have to teach our sons and daughters how to love and respect others, work hard, and be good citizens.
I’m humbled by how much my son hangs upon my every word, soaking up my example like a sponge. What monumental responsibility this is, because he is always watching and always listening, especially during this period of pandemic in which I am spending more time with him than I ever have since he was born.
A wise person taught me that men must constantly seek fortitude, a strength of mind that enables a person to encounter danger or bear pain or adversity with courage.
There is so much in life that is beyond my control and that is more real now than ever before, as my primary business languishes under fraudulent vendors, deceitful employees, and deep malaise greatly exacerbated by COVID-19.
How will I respond? Wallow in self-pity? Lay in bed? Or deal with the hand I have been dealt by never compromising the core values that have guided my adult life?
I’m not worried about being hungry or homeless, but the situation is very serious. And I have two children who are (or soon will be) watching my words and actions.
I was so blessed to grow up in a stable home with a loving father. I wish to provide this same foundation to my children, which indeed is a tremendous blessing that not every child is so fortunate to have. That alone does not determine outcome, but it helps children in immeasurable ways to have a father who loves and supports them.
I look forward to showing my children the world, teaching them respect and love, and showing them that life is not simply a foolish pursuit of bumper stickers like “he who dies with the most toys wins.”
So on this day, I am thankful. The circumstances may be grim in many respects, but I have a wife and two children, a beautiful family, and that is a burden that I gladly bear, a burden that is simultaneously a great joy.
Well said.
Nice one, Matthew. From what I have seen here your two kids are very fortunate to have you as a father.
With that, Happy Father’s Day, you deserve the best of it.
Glücklicher Vatertag!
Happy Father’s Day dude! I hope you find as much solace in writing this blog as I do reading it
Happy Father’s (Daddy’s) Day.
I’m pretty sure you’re an outstanding dad and role-model ( …questionable dietary choices notwithstanding).
Happy Fathers Day, Matthew.
Happy Father’s Day Matthew!
Matthew
Great reflection! Some experts have called the lack of fathers who are present to their children one of the greatest problems since the industrial revolution. If you didn’t have a father or other father types who loved you – how could you trust men in authority over you?
To be a good father, you must first be someone’s beloved son.
Blessings
Yes, and this is especially prevalent in several specific (minority) communities.
I totally agree with you and could have a conversation lasting days, however, in this day and age… I’d be wary of my words.