Father’s Day is a second-class holiday! Someone on Mother’s Day probably said, “We really should remember dear old Dad.”  The local hardware store owner hearing the “cha-ching” of the cash register, loved the idea and put up the first sign: FATHER’S DAY SALE. Many communities honor a Christmas Mother every year to help needy children but do they ever honor a Christmas Dad? “Not!” Mothers have M.O.P.S. (Mothers of Pre-Schoolers) What do dads have… D.O.P.S. or maybe F.O.P.S.?

We are often described and stereotyped in the media as:

·         Workaholics: We pay the bills but avoid day-to-day family issues such as changing diapers, disciplining the kids or cooking the meals. We are often heard saying: “I take care of the important stuff while the little woman takes care of the kiddos.” (Give me a break!)

·         Deadbeats: If divorced it is assumed that dads are deadbeats on the run from child support. In fact most are very responsible and work hard to maintain regular contact with their children.

·         Abusers: Child abuse can be physical or mental and there are certainly abusers out there but few fathers would dream of doing anything that would harm their children.

·         Macho Men: He is more famous for exploits on the ball field than for any ability or desire to manage and care for the children. Favorite line: “But honey… The team needs me!” Actually community activities involving just men have declined as more dads spend free time at home.

These stereotypes certainly exist but most dads take their responsibilities seriously. Since both parents usually continue their careers, both must look for creative ways to share the duties as well as the pleasures of raising their children. It’s exciting to watch young couples grow into their roles.

More dads are now becoming single parents. I chose to raise our children when their mother left. It was difficult at first. Local churchwomen sometimes brought meals figuring no “man” cooks but we survived on a simple menu of hot dogs, hamburgers and frozen pizza. I learned to clean the house, give the children baths and even buy their clothing. I never did learn how to fix Lisa’s hair but every Sunday a kind soul would offer help. It wasn’t easy but we managed just like every other single parent.

I am happily remarried now and deeply appreciate Mell’s contribution to our family, but I have also learned that my role as a father is a vital link in the continued good health of our family.

My son, Stephen, wrote this poem in fifth grade titled appropriately… “Mr. Mom.”

While my mom was gone,

Dad had to handle things from now on.

So we called him Mr. Mom.

He did the laundry,

Cleaned every dish,

He cleaned up the bedrooms,

Fed every fish.

Now that mom is gone,

Dad handles things from now on.

We call him, Mr. Mom.

So this is my tribute to the many Dads who struggle to be good parents and good providers for their families. Whether you are married or single if you actively share the parenting role or bear sole responsibility in raising the children... God will bless you, Dad. Paul wrote about us in the Bible: “Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.” (Ephesians 6:4) A warning to concentrate our parental energy on what is truly important.

If you are this kind of Dad, I honor you. If you are not... change. It could be the best gift any child could ever receive from you. As for Father’s Day...give your dad more than a tie or a tool. Give him your time, your prayers, your forgiveness and most of all your love. As for Christmas Mother programs: honor a Dad this year. By the way, our church M.O.P.S. program will also include… P.O.P.S.