Happy Father's Day!

Inspired by the posts at Jim Wallis' "God's Politics" blog about Father's Day, I am writing this in honor of my own father. During my 50 years of life he has been a faithful provider, wise counselor, role model and and supporter of my dreams, visions and ambitions. Having just recently become a father myself I can now better relate and can thank God for this legacy I have that I can pass on to my own son. A long time faith hero of mine and also someone who became a father in his 50's, Jim Wallis writes,

"Becoming a father rather late in life has indeed taught me many things. In fact, many of life’s most important lessons, I would have to say, have come to me by way of finally being a dad. These two boys have become a spiritual anchor for me, and being their dad has been a kind of contemplative discipline that my busy life sorely needs. I began to build my speaking and travel schedule around things like Little League baseball, or even just putting them to bed at night — which I now do most nights of their lives. After a while, I realized I wasn’t just doing this for them — but also for me. I simply can’t bear not hearing the daily reports about what happened at school, or after school, or with their friends. And their prayers before going to bed at night (my job) are surely not to be missed. They now help shape my theology."

And finally this from a new mentor of sorts who I think my dad would agree is true of our relationship as well.

"... my dad learned from his kids. The truth is (speaking as a father) — the influence children have on their parents is widely underrated. I’ve watched my dad change in his thinking and beliefs through his sons, and I know that I’m continuing to learn and change through my kids every day. I think parents spend 20 years raising their kids, and about half-way through that process, the kids start raising their parents as well. In the end, everyone is better off. The older generation passes on its wisdom to the young, and the younger generation prevents “hardening of the categories” in the old … as long as both generations keep listening — something my dad has done." (Brian McClaren)

Happy Father's Day, Dad!!! I love you.