FATHERS DAY

 

     With Father’s Day just around the corners.  I thought this following story would inspire and encourage you to note the influence of a father can have on their family.  After Rick Hoyt sustained severe brain damage during birth and was diagnosed with cerebral palsy, doctors recommended the family give up any hope of him living a normal life; institutionalization was the only way. But the Hoyts paid no mind, and raised Rick like any other normal kid. Though he was restricted to a wheelchair, couldn't speak, or use his arms and legs, the boy camped, swam, skied, and attended public school — eventually going on to graduate from Boston University. Fifty-one years after that grim diagnosis, Rick not only lives in his own apartment but is also a celebrated athlete. How you might ask? With the help of his father, Dick. When Rick was in middle school, he wanted to enter a charity race to raise funds for a recently paralyzed fellow student. His father, who had never run before, offered to push him in a clunky chair. That arduous race led to a lifetime of team racing (not to mention better chairs). Using a specially engineered chair, Dick and Rick have finished more than 1,090 races, including 252 triathlons, 70 marathons, and 94 half marathons. In honor of their 31st Boston Marathon this past April, the father-son duo was honored with a bronze statue in their likeness.

     When a father chooses to include himself in the life of their children the results are amazing.  Recently I was at a production of Grease where my two grandsons Gideon and Jeremiah starred in.  Sitting beside me was their father Lawrence and beside him was our grand daughter Gabby.  As Lawrence watched his two boys performing you could not have seen a prouder dad.  Our grand daughter Gabby is a provincial soccer champion, and her dad is part of the couching staff.  He is active in every aspect of his children’s life. 

     When Lawrence married my daughter Rachel, I wondered what kind of husband and Father he would be.  He has done both very well.  My sons Robert and Ryan have turned out to be great husbands and fathers as well.  Both are actively involved with their families.  The secret is for all three has been their faith and relationship with Christ. 

     The apostle Paul stated that fathers are to raise their children in the fear and admonition of the Lord.  This means teach their children respect and encourage.  This means you show by example.  If we want out children to serve the Lord, you show it by example. 

     I have over the years done one thing everyday I have prayed for my children.  From the first time I held my son Robert in my arms till this day I have prayed for my children and grand children.  God has honored those prayers by giving children and grandchildren serving the Lord. 

     So, dad my exhortation for you is simple be an example and pray for your family.  Did you know that 85% of a child’s self esteem comes what their father thinks and says about them?  So, let us say and do the right thing.  It will be a blessing to them and will help them be productive and healthy adults who are a blessing to others.