Source: www.lizlemonswindle.org
I know, it's a day late. But, hey, better late than never, right? Father's Day is a holiday celebrating one of the greatest heroes this world has ever known . . . dads. Fathers are amazing people. When we look at them, it seems that there is nothing that they can't do. Every child wants to walk in the footsteps of his/her dad and that child would be right to do so. Dads are the protectors of their families, the teachers right alongside the moms, and so many other jobs that we sometimes don't even know about. A father is a teacher of his family, a dedicated husband to his wife, and an example of greatness. They are strong, brave, willing, giving, smart, and so many other things and if I were to list them all, this would probably have to be a two (if not more) part post.
But are dads being respected as they are supposed to be in today's societies?
In the past, fathers were respected and revered. They were the superheroes of the universe. They showed their sons and daughters how the world works and how to be amazing. They loved their wives and showed them as much respect as a queen deserved.
Nowadays, well . . . they're barely respected anymore!
In this day and age, the role of the father is being minimized and mocked. If you watch modern TV you will notice that on so many programs the father is either obese, dumb, or promotes lying, cheating, and disrespect, while his own children and sometimes even his wife lies, cheats, insults/disrespects him right to his face and behind his back. And if none of this happens, than usually the father/father figure is absent from the lives of their children. Divorce rates are rising and more and more children are left without fathers. Media wants to turn our fathers into something that we can disrespect rather than revere.
That is why I believe the need for Classic Literature is so important because within them the fathers are amazing people. I have recently been reading "The Swiss Family Robinson" by Johann David Wyss. In this book, the father is the model for what fathers should be. He is educated, strong, he teaches his sons about the things around them, he loves and respects his wife (like when he returns from retrieving food for his family he is one of those people who would say to his wife, "My dear, is there anything I can do to help you!" rather than, "Yo, throw me a soda and while you're at it wash my socks!"), he believes and loves God and encourages his family to love and serve God and throughout the book he continually gives thanks and praises our Heavenly Father (such as near the beginning of the book when they land on the island, before he lets his sons explore, he says, "Hold up, aren't you forgetting something? We must pray to God and give him thanks for our safe passage to this island.") One day when I was listening to it (it's an audiobook), I stopped it for a second and turned to my Mom and said, "That's the reason I love these kind of books, because the father in it makes me want to become educated, and be a good dad."
My own dad does the same thing for me and makes me say the same things. I look at him and I see a man that I want to be one day. One who is strong, smart, and loving. One who is teaching me to love God and praise Him- one who loves me unconditionally. I'm lucky to have a dad like that. I know that some people aren't that lucky and I pity them. Respect your fathers. Love them. Listen to them. Take everything you can from what they have to tell you. Make everyday Father's Day! There are two fathers who we celebrate, though. Your own dad and your Heavenly Father. Both will teach you. Both will listen to you. Both will comfort you and both give you all the love they can hold whether you want it or not.
I love my dad from the bottom of my heart and I can tell you for a fact that he is the best dad in the world, if not the universe.
Dad, I love you! And I thank you for everything that you have done and taught me!
Thank You for reading!
