As to Fathers…

Life gives us many memories⎯of home, mothers, fathers and family. And as to fathers, we should like to turn to some passing pictures and impressions:

First of all, fathers commit themselves to providing for a family, providing a home and taking on obligations which, however wonderful, require an immeasurable amount of faith and work. They commit themselves also to passing on a good name, a clean and honorable heritage. Such are but a few of the commitments of faithful and honorable fathers.

And now as to some memorable and hallowed moments: the circling of a baby’s hand around a father’s finger; a child’s hand tightly held while walking with father; the trusting love of a young daughter for a fond and worthy father; the confidence and companionship of a growing lad talking and working with father.

It is wonderful when fathers and sons talk and work together and share close confidences⎯and when fathers nurture sons until their shoulders are broad and strong, until their minds are clear and capable, and then, when sons begin to take a little of the load from fathers.

It is a mellowing and unforgettable moment when a father sees his son as tall as he is, and taller, and sees in his son himself, his mannerisms, his ways, his words⎯in truth, to see himself.

Another hallowed impression and picture: The gray and hallowed head of a father who has weathered life in faith and faithfulness⎯and who has held his children’s children in his encircling arms.

Yes, father is a wonderful word, made so by the love of father for his family, by fathers who work and provide and pray and persist in understanding patience; made so by the Father of us all in his relationship to each of us; by the prayer that lingers on the lips of children⎯”Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed by the name”; made so by the Father’s love of His Beloved Son, and the Son’s for the Father who sent Him. It is a sobering thought for fathers to hear sons say, as He did: All I do, I have seen my father do⎯for the influence and imprint of fathers is upon the children-always and forever.