Of all the apps out there, think about all those things a father’s hands do day to day. Emotions fill your eyes and silly grievances melt away as you hold his hands in yours. Those hands may have held a newborn baby or two or three (in our case thirteen), helping bring life into the world. Those hands may have held and calmed you down a time or two in gentleness and love; never anger. They have faithfully worked to earn a living. Those hands have played , tickled or changed a few diapers (in our case over 100,000). They have mowed grass, painted a tree house, and tied another knot until payday. With nerves of steel and superhero strength, those hands helped navigate a teenager or two or three or thirteen through life’s rocky passages and driver’s education (whereas mom would rather give birth on a crowded bus.) Those hands have retrieved many a five year old’s critters and sworn never to tell Mom how they got in. They also rescued that five year old from the swimming pool when she drifted a little farther, and Dad had to jump in clothes and all. Those hands dried many a tear and held you in the soft comforting arm of night and quieted your fears. Those hands have fixed many a broken toy, window, and heart. Those hands have reached out and helped others. Yes, the wrinkled hands and roughness are worn as a badge of honor for the urban battlefields they fought and conquered. And when minor infractions threaten my peace, I just look at those hands and I feel blessed.

Psalms 1:1-2: “Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the law of the Lord and on his law he meditates day and night.”

On this day of honor, we say “Thank You Dad; And if your father is less than perfect, it might be a good time to forgive his shortcomings. If he is your “hero”, it might be time to really acknowledge him.

Happy Father’s Day!