God in all things

Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged. —Colossians 3:21
Father’s Day is celebrated in many countries worldwide. Although the origins, activities, and actual day of observance differ widely, they all share the common thread of honoring fathers for their role as parents.
This year for Father’s Day, I’ve decided to do something different. Instead of waiting to receive a card or phone call from my children, I’m sending words of appreciation to them and to my wife. After all, without them, I wouldn’t be a dad.
Paul instructed fathers to be a positive part of their children’s development rather than a source of anger and discouragement. He wrote, “Fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord” (Eph. 6:4). “Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged” (Col. 3:21). Both of these verses are embedded in passages about loving and honoring each other in family relationships.
The role of a father changes as children grow, but it doesn’t end. Praise and encouragement are welcomed whether a child is 4 or 40. Prayer is always powerful. And it’s never too soon to mend a broken relationship with a son or daughter.
Fathers, now is a good time to tell your children how much you love and appreciate them. — David C. McCasland
Our children need encouragement,
Expressions of our love and care;
Appreciation, when expressed,
Accentuates the bond we share. —Sper
The greatest gift a father can give to his children is himself.
When the good Lord was creating fathers, he started with a tall frame. A female angel nearby said, “What kind of a father is that? If you’re going to make children so close to the ground, why have you put the father up so high? He won’t be able to shoot marbles without kneeling, tuck a child in bed without bending, or even kiss a child without stooping”
God smiled and said, “Yes, but if I make him child size, who would children have to look up to?”
And when God made a father’s hands, they were large. The angel shook her head and said, “Large hands can’t manage diaper pins, small buttons, rubber bands on pony tails, or even remove splinters caused from baseball bats.”
Again God smiled and said, “I know, but they’re large enough to hold everything a small boy empties from his pockets, yet small enough to cup a child’s face in them.”
Then God molded long slim legs and broad shoulders, “Do you realize you just made a father without a lap?” The angel chuckled.
God said, “A mother needs a lap. A father needs strong shoulders to pull a sled, to balance a boy on a bicycle, or to hold a sleepy head on the way home from the circus.”
When God was in the middle of creating the biggest feet any one had ever seen, the angel could not contain herself any longer. “That’s not fair. Do you honestly think those feet are going to get out of bed early in the morning when the baby cries, or walk through a birthday party without crushing one or two of the guests?”
God again smiled and said, “They will work. You will see. They will support a small child who wants to ride to Branbury Cross or scare mice away from a summer cabin, or display shoes that will be a challenge to fill.” God worked throughout the night, giving the father few words, but a firm authoritative voice; eyes that see everything, but remain calm and tolerant.
Finally, almost as an afterthought, He added tears. Then he turned to the angel and said, “Now are you satisfied he can love as much as a mother can?”
The angel said nothing more.
God Bless You
Fr Eugene Lobo SJ