Father's Day Prep for a Glad Dad

You stand there and debate ... the back scratcher, the lazy boy remote control caddy, the gourmet pork rinds, or the musical Star Trek card ... What's the perfect gift to bring joy to dad for Father's Day? Little ones may gravitate towards the musical card or the sports team bobble head. Teens may opt for their favorite choice - a coffee shop gift card, what else? Adult kids in a distant city may opt for membership in the peanut of the month club, a gift box from Jerky R Us or a magazine subscription. But really makes a father glad?

- "A wise son makes his father glad," Proverbs 10:1.

And what makes a son wise?

- "A wise son heeds his father's instruction," Proverbs 13:1.

Proverbs says a son who is not wise is foolish and brings: grief, ruin, shame, reproach. On the other hand, a discerning son is one who keeps his Heavenly Father's ways (Proverbs 28:7).

We will make special plans to make Father's Day a day of honor, a day to love on dad and treat him like the king of the castle that he is. This isn't just for families who feel their dad "deserves" this treatment. This honor is due to those who are dads. We can express honor in special expressions that speak love in "man language", but God's Word tells us the best plan for a glad dad is to present dad with wise children. Here are some great ways to make this happen:

1. Spend some time praying on Friday or Saturday with your children (not with dad there) for Father's Day,that your dad would be blessed and honored. Pray that he will sleep well, be able to relax, enjoy the food, and be proud of his family. Prayer will prepare your hearts.
2. Memorize a verse together and then share that verse when you sit down to Father's Day dinner. You could practice a reading of verses, if that works better for you.
   
3. Ask one of the children to pray for Father's Day lunch; don't surprise them. Give them a heads up, so that they can consider honoring words, and the Holy Spirit can prompt words of love.
4. Take time in advance to write thoughtful messages in a card or on a paper. Encourage children to write about a quality they appreciate about their dad or about an event with him that meant a lot this year.
5. Appreciation rings loud and clear with dads. Make a list of all the things you can think of that your family is thankful for in your dad this year. Display it on your front door, lay it on a breakfast tray, hang it by his shower, or put it in his car. He will be touched when he realizes that you notice all he does.

Let's give our dads more than sports gear, indigestion, or gadgets this year. Let's infuse their hearts with the blessings of honor, the joys of wise children, and the peace of a home where God reigns. Our Heavenly Father will delight in our homes, too.