Blessed as a Father

“So what do you want for Father’s Day?” My wife grinned at me as she asked the question. Over all these years it has been a tradition in many families to get dad something on this one special day. Now here I am on the spot to answer a question that I have no idea has an answer. Is it under wear, or socks, or a wallet, or a new tool?

I have all of the aforementioned items. They are regularly supplied and always in the drawer and clean. The wallet is not needed and the tools – though dreams to have – I already have older editions.

My fast answer was simple – “To be all alone… in my garage… with my tools… and happy.” Both of us know that isn’t likely going to happen too soon… nor do I really want it. It was the other guy inside of me saying, “By myself, on a beach, on a far away island, near an ocean and happy.”

On that beach there are hawkers that keep coming by to sell me something. And I am no sooner in my garage than one of the “hawkers” will stop into see if I want to change my electrical supply service, buy some new siding for the house or new driveway sealant. But I shouldn’t be too hard on these dear folk – they are only trying to make a buck… and so am I.

The person down the street from us has a large ugly sign that states – “No solicitors, Canvassers or Sales People”. The sign is about one foot high and three feet long – directly above their front door – hand painted. They mean business. Their big, brown, old Labrador dog would likely love you to death if you set foot on their property – but the sign means business.

However, the TV rants on about how much dad needs this or that. Someone invisible states that you need to get your dad a card. Another leaves the audience with the feeling that you may not really love your dad unless you do this or that – then offers a perfect answer to buy what they are selling.

As a dad the most wonderful thing was to have a hug from my girls. As a dad it was great to walk behind the bouncing, blond haired little ones as they ran out to discover the world. Now as a granddad I love the same kind of hugs when I get them – all year long – not just Father’s Day. We celebrate all year long in our family.

Father’s Day is sitting beside a soccer field a watching my granddaughter run after the ball. Watching the top knot of her hair bounce in the sunlight of a fading evening and then having her turn and call, “Hi grandpa…”

Father’s Day is watching my grandson pick up his hard hat and slap it on, pick up his bat and walk to the home plate, eye the pitcher and then position himself to hit a mighty home run… Run or no run… the glow I feel inside as he goes through his pose is amazing.

Father’s Day, in my case, is being able to watch not one grandson – BUT FIVE – pose at the home plate and then swing at the fast moving ball.

Father’s Day for me is looking across the table at a beautiful mother and smiling deeply at each other through our wrinkles.

Father’s Day is deep satisfaction with what I have.

As I sit here this morning preparing for another Father’s Day, this coming Sunday, I realize that I am blessed so much to have what I have now. In a few years it may not be so. Little girls grow up and move away. Little boys become dads that are busy. Families change… but memories never do.

This Father’s Day I think I am cooking something on our BBQ. I think we are together for a short time over some good food. I love the times together. There is joking, some teasing and lots of laughter.

What do I want for Father’s Day? Not much – because I have it all now. Thank you so much.

~ Pastor Murray Lincoln ~