Fathers Day and Beyond

We must never take the annual celebration of Fathers Day (like Mothers Day) for granted. It is very important that we honor our Fathers and show appreciation for the efforts they make in many ways over the past year and years gone by.

One of the most essential thoughts of interest is the encouragement to fathers for remaining faithful to their families and for demonstrating excellent moral principles. No child, spouse or special friend of a father will want o discover that their precious person has not been the good guy as they thought. Fidelity and moral principles are sometimes hard to live by in America and elsewhere in the world. Or this may only be so it seems. Fathers need to remember that their lives are attached to that of their kids and spouse. So any and almost all wrong moves base on an urge, for example, can cause serious and long term damage to his life and that of his family. Divorce may just be the start, because the emotional and psychological pains can last for years. Discretion and wisdom in personal relationships, with fidelity in mind, may just be what most fathers need.

Money is very essential to all men. This is true whether the person is a father or not. But especially for fathers, proper financial management is almost as important as the endeavor for good health. Some men like to take chances and expose or over indulge in gambling (online and offline). The experts will say this usually begin in small amounts of money being used, but as the gains increase, they will go over board and risk too much that may include the family provisions or blessings. This is not new or unusual, but it is still a dangerous path to take. While it may be fruitless to some people to urge fathers not to take risks with their family finances, it is still an important issue to be dealt with by fathers. We may not agree that there is such a thing as responsible risk in gambling, specifically and for example, but many of us will agree that it is unwise and irresponsible for fathers to take changes with their kids school fees, the mortgage money, critical medical expenses and such alike. So fathers need to remember this as they reflect on their special day.

Religion in the family or a relationship is a very relevant issue in America and worldwide. We know how strict some religions are when it comes to men or fathers leading the way. But of importance is the need for fathers who are religious believers to live by what they believe - by the actions necessary and not by just words. Setting the right example for a Christian Religious person in America, for example, is essential. Many of this nation leaders are under the eye of the public as well as the Church Congregation. But even so, we still hear, from time to time, about men who are fathers being involved in the most unpleasant and anti-religious events that upsets many and can confuse someone looking-on who may be contemplating joining his faith. Fathers need to remember that, not only in their homes are they to set the best possible example, but in their daily lives with real people. By doing so they will live by their actions and not just by their speeches.

The Community Father is another crucial point of interest. We know that rich men in poor neighborhoods will often seek to exploit others they meet. Fathers are sometimes a part of this unfortunate and unpleasant crime against their relatives, neighbors and friends. A community God Father, for example, may not be the best of examples for the young teenager. Too many men are taking the wrong steps in introducing young boys (who are not even men as yet) into crimes of all sorts. Fathers in the neighborhood then need to stand-up and defend what is right against this and in the interest of their own kids, their children school pals and family. Fathers as men need to show that they are really concerned about the welfare of kids in the fight against those who often do not. Let Fathers Day be a reminder of this fact.

There are other examples of the above that need to be taken into account as we reflect on Fathers Day and beyond. But what is essential is the fact that fathers are leaders and should demonstrate this in the home and neighborhood, as they must do elsewhere.