Go Ahead - Make Dads Day

Throughout the year, many days of celebration are tucked capriciously into the calendar. So much so, it is hard to find any day of the year where something or someone is not being observed, which has benefited the greeting card company, you can be sure. I'm not positive, but I think they've had a great deal to do with designating these days.

Some days are celebrated a little more enthusiastically than others. The Fourth of July has firecrackers; Halloween has funny and scary costumes, not to mention bags of candy; and Christmas boasts the Christmas tree and jolly old St. Nick with all his presents, and it is hard to compete with Christmas parties when it comes to celebrations.

And we come to Mother's Day. According to experts, more telephone calls are placed on Mother's Day than any other day of the year. Also, try to walk into a restaurant and get a seat on that certain Sunday.

There is a theory, which I subscribe to personally, stating the reason Father's Day is so lame is because so much has been spent on Mother's Day, there is nothing left.

I think there should be a rule that says, whatever Mother's Day costs fathers, mothers should spend on Father's Day. This would do one of two things; decrease Mother's Day or puff Father's Day spending. Personally, I'm in favor of puffing.

Perhaps with some effort, Father's Day could be a little more exciting. And I'm not saying this just because I'm a father. Well, maybe I am, but if I don't who will?

Fathers in general are rather humble and hesitant to speak about themselves. Contrary to popular opinion, every father knows talk is not cheap, and because he has spent so much on Mother's Day, he simply is practicing good manners and shuts up.

However, every father needs to know he is truly appreciated by his family. Although you cannot buy a father, it is possible to rent him on occasion.

I'm in favor of celebrating Father's Day "any which way you can." It really doesn't matter to the father involved. Any father would consider his child a "million dollar baby" if he or she would just give a Father's Day card to him, along with a nice hot cup of coffee while sitting in his favorite chair reading the newspaper. Nothing the children did throughout the year would remain "unforgiven" if something this simple were done on Father's Day.

As it stands, Father's Day is celebrated "every which way but loose," and I believe it is time this has stopped. There seems to be too many loose ends concerning Father's Day. It is a "true crime" the way certain things are left hanging concerning fathers. Some fathers have felt like "the dead pool" around Father's Day, not knowing exactly what to expect.

Mother's Day is rather simple. Every mother knows that she will get certain things; flowers, a Mother's Day card and dinner at her favorite restaurant.

By the time Father's Day comes around everybody is so exhausted from Mother's Day, not to mention most fathers are broke, nobody knows exactly how to make dad's day special or, more importantly, who will finance it.

Too many people are uptight about Father's Day and feel like they are running "the gauntlet." When I say people, I am referring primarily to Yours Truly. Nobody seems to know what to do about good ole dad on his special day.

Fortunately, I have some ideas along this line.

With some of the presents I have received over the years I'm beginning to think my children imagine me as a "space cowboy," or maybe a "high plains drifter" driving around in a "pink Cadillac" heading for "the bridges of Madison County." Nothing could be further from the truth, except Howard Dean's portrayal of the Republican Party. What he needs on Father's Day is a "sudden impact" of truth.

When it comes to being a father, I assure you I'm not "the rookie" walking on a "tightrope," directly "in the line of fire" running toward "heartbreak ridge." I have quite a bit of experience being a father, going back more than 30 years.

As a father, I have three children notched on my belt. At times, I have felt like "the enforcer" and the only way to deal with those children was to use "magnum force" and "hang 'em high."

I must confess at times I felt like a "pale rider" sweating it out in the "city heat," realizing no matter how hard I try it is not "a perfect world" we live in. What would make my day, and other fathers' day, would be a present I could really use, or at least understand without spending an entire day reading the directions.

In spite of all this, I have discovered one thing; being a father is its own reward. The Bible puts fatherhood high on the list of important positions in life.

David, the Psalmist, put his feelings about being a father into familiar words to all who have read the Bible. "Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord: and the fruit of the womb is his reward. As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth. Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them: they shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate." (Psalm 127:3-5 KJV.)

This year, my advice is, whatever it costs, go ahead and make dad's day. He deserves it.

About The Author: ©2005 Rev. James L. Snyder.

Reverend Snyder is currently ministering at the "Family of God Fellowship" in Ocala, Florida. More of his articles are available for reprint at his website: http://www.godspenman.com/ Rev. Snyder is available as a guest speaker. He writes a weekly column and is the author of "You Can Always Tell a Pastor; But Not Very Much " available at: http://www.jamessnyderministries.com/

---

Child Safety at Home

Maintaining a safe home environment for your childrenAs adults and... Read More

How to Talk to Your Kids About Suicide: New Study Says it May Make Them Less Likely to Consider It!

This year alone, 1,600 teenagers aged 15 to 19 will... Read More

From Childrens Stories to Study Skills: Help Your Children Succeed in School

IntroductionAs a parent who wants the best for your children,... Read More

Dads, Give them Household Chores

You have a chore to do around the house, and... Read More

How To Help Your Child Learn

Just as every snowflake is unique, so is every child.... Read More

What Do You Do When Your Child is Smarter than You?

We adopted our first child when he was three months... Read More

How To Teach Your Children Self-Reliance and Potential

Self-reliance and potential are two very important values that I'd... Read More

7 Ways Busy Families Can Volunteer

Volunteering together is a fantastic way to spend time as... Read More

Teacher Tips: Your Room Set-Up and ADHD Students

Thank you to all of our professional educators who dedicate... Read More

A Call For Fathers

Dads, please let me encourage you to change some things... Read More

Working Moms vs. Stay-at-Home Moms, Lets Stop Debating Each Other and Debate the System Instead!

I could nearly fund my children's future education if I... Read More

ADHD: A Dialogue With a Non-Believer, Part Five

Dear Sir, It was with some interest that I read... Read More

Top Ten Ways to Teach Values to Your Kids

In a consumer-driven society that broadcasts values you don't approve... Read More

Getting through the School Daze

It's back to school time again. Does the thought of... Read More

Kids And Chores - Make It Easy On Yourself!

My neighbours' kid impressed me the other day.I was busy... Read More

Im a Mom, Shes a Mom: Being an Adult with Your Parents

On one of her quarterly visits to see her grandson,... Read More

Moms - Get More Energy Now

Let's be honest! When it comes to parenting, men expect... Read More

Who Will Be Their Guardian?

If you are like most people today, you do not... Read More

Time Out for Adults

"Get down from the table top right now! What are... Read More

Diaper Bags for Dads - Papas Got a Brand New Bag

Today's dads are more hands-on than ever before and their... Read More

The Safest Stuffed Toys for the Kids on your Gift List

Although it's hard to say when the first stuffed dogs... Read More

Understanding Why Your Child Has Been Recommended for Testing

You have just received a call from your child's teacher... Read More

Diagnosing ADHD in Your Child, an Introduction

Everyone in a private practice setting who works with children... Read More

The Homeopathic Nutraceutical Attend as an Alternative to Ritalin

You no longer have to use Ritalin or other stimulants... Read More

The Neurology of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Part One

What is Happening in the brain of children, teens, and... Read More