This month we celebrate Father’s Day. It’s a chance to show our fathers, grandfathers, great grandfathers, and also men who serve in the role of fathers how much they mean to us. A chance to show how their hard work, sacrifice, and commitment have paid off. A chance to recognize good fathers everywhere.
But what exactly does it mean to be a good father? What does it take to be a good father?
There are many possible answers. Some might say that a good father is someone who sets a positive example for his children. Others might say a good father is someone who helps provide for his family, or who treats his children kindly and with respect.
I think all those things are true. But let me add one more to that list:
A good father is someone who spends time with his children, even when it’s not convenient for him.
Take this charming story about Abraham Lincoln, for example.
The year was likely 1861. Lincoln had only been president for a few short months. With the Civil War raging and an entire nation to run, the former prairie lawyer had little time to himself. In the early years of his presidency, he was even known to meet with private citizens who had some personal grievance or request.
Meanwhile, Lincoln’s two young sons, Tad and Willie, were oblivious to the pressures of their father’s job. They loved to run, make noise, and play pranks. But one of their favorite things to do was play with a toy doll dressed up like a Union soldier.
While their father was Commander in Chief of the Army, Tad and Willie were co-Commanders of the toy soldier. They would frequently give the doll-which they named Jack-military assignments like standing sentry. Unfortunately, the poor doll usually failed at being a soldier. Time after time, the two boys accused Jack of desertion, or sleeping at his post. The appropriate punishment was clear: a court martial, always ending with an official execution at sunrise.
Ushering the two boys into his office, he sat down and said, “State your case, Tad.”
Being the son of a lawyer, Tad immediately launched into a lengthy defense of his toy. When he finished, Lincoln, straight-faced and solemn the whole time, took out a sheet of his official stationery. On it, he wrote:
The Doll Jack is pardoned, by order of the president.
– A. Lincoln
Sometimes, being a good father is taking time out of a busy day to listen to what children have to say. Sometimes, being a good father is joining in their games and indulging their fantasies.
Sometimes, being a good father is as simple as pardoning a child’s doll.
I hope you and your family have a great Father’s Day Celebration
Building Your 2nd Half,
