– Ross Belle Balatbat
Fathers are equally deserving of a day of praise like mothers on Mother’s Day. In most parts of the globe, Father’s Day is celebrated on the 3rd Sunday of June. It is about recognizing the gift of caring that fathers show when they teach their child to explore new things, cheer them at a game, watch them perform during school programs and most importantly, act as a channel of God’s love in the lives of the next generation. There is a famous Filipino tagline that describes the ideal of fatherhood: “haligi ng tahanan” (“pillar of the home”). This involves several characteristics.
Foundation of the home. A father is the underlying base or support in all aspects of the family. He is not only the provider of the basic needs: shelter, food, clothing, education, spiritual attention. “Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it” (cf Proverbs 22:6). Most importantly, a father must root and ground his family members on God. Real fathers believe that God provides everything for their families. And being a father comes with enormous responsibility. Responsible fatherhood comes in one package that’s full of sacrifices and challenges, but everything he does with and for his children becomes a memory that serves as the backbone for healthy, well-rounded, mature individuals.
Amiable in meeting the needs of their family. He tries to create a relaxed, friendly and high-spirited atmosphere. Parent would take pleasure seeing their children grow up with good spirits. “Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged” (cf Colossians 3:21). An optimistic environment shapes children to be hopeful, motivated and easily be encouraged no matter what storms in life they might encounter.
Tender-hearted, compassionate, merciful, sympathetic. These attributes results in a healthy atmosphere of communication. “Whoever spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is diligent to discipline him” (cf Proverbs 13:24). One of the bests gift that a father can ever receive is the gift of heartfelt, open communication which is only possible when the children have been brought up not tormented but loved. It is most gratifying for fathers to see the children sharing their real feelings towards their dad through their ups and downs.
Heroes of children when the world seems to be against them. “As a father shows compassion to his children, so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear him” (c.f. Psalm 103:13). When a strawberry jam cover is stuck, he’s there to open it. When one is so messed up, he is the cool guy that saves the day. When everything is turned upside down, his tap on the shoulder or kiss on the forehead suffices to ease the burden.
Engaged . A father’s presence in the family is not to be merely a provider or a disciplinarian. A responsible father must provide also for the spiritual needs of the family, which brings balance within the family. He is a man who is involved, with a personal touch to each children. He does not let the mother do all the household chores but lends a hand as well. He challenges the kids to learn through indoor or outdoor activities, like reading bedtime stories for them.
Reverent. “The righteous who walks in his integrity— blessed are his children after him!” (cf Proverbs 20:7). Real fathers are godly fathers who maintain and keep their devotion burning. A father could fail, oftentimes does. A father should not compromise by learning to limit such shortfalls, that is, by being closer to God. He knows the Lord through the Scriptures which he lives out as much as possible.
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