While thinking of what to say, I remembered President Obama's book Dreams From My Father, and found in it the citation from I Chronicles. It seemed particularly apt. As do the words from Mr. Twain.
A happy duty, surely. Hear my prayer.
Lord,
It’s Fathers’ Day – a day to consider strong bonds, deep and tangled relationships, confused contests, things we feel powerfully and understand …
Do we understand fathers? Do they understand us?
Mark Twain slyly said, "When I was a boy of 14, my father was so ignorant I could hardly stand to have the old man around. But when I got to be 21, I was astonished at how much the old man had learned in seven years.”
Sometimes it takes more than seven years.
On this Fathers’ Day, let us give thanks that fathers continue to learn. And continue to care for us, and to watch over us. Let us give thanks for loving fathers. Abba, help us to be loving fathers. And mothers. Help us to remember that we are all children of God.
And now, some words from David (from I Chronicles):
Our Father, we give thanks to you.
But who are we, that we should be able to make this offering? For all things come from you, and of your own have we given you. Lord, all this abundance that we have provided comes from your hand.
O Lord, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, our fathers, keep for ever such purposes and thoughts in the hearts of your people, and direct their hearts towards you.
Let all those who do justice and love mercy say Amen.
1 comment:
Dad,
I have always known you were a wise, sensitive man, but the fact that you are able to be so articulate and courageous in sharing yourself with the world, first and church and now here, makes me very proud.
Now, if I could only give up my "confused contest" to be faster than you, I'd really be making some headway.
Just kidding I gave that up last year. : )
Love you, D
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