Respect

Image by Ilham Nor from Pixabay

            Today we travelled home from Sudbury. The sun shone all the way. I’m hoping that Father’s everywhere had a great day. Father’s are much more involved with their children in today’s world. That’s a wonderful blessing for the whole family.

This past week we enjoyed a family meal with my daughter and grandson Chris, and his family. When Chris arrived, tired from a busy day’s work in his landscaping business, it was a pleasure to watch his interactions with both of their children. His respect for five year old Riley was amazing. Of course, he loves Riley as most of us love our children, but his respect as well was so evident. Chris listened to Riley, truly listened for both Riley’s words and his feelings. As the evening progressed, it became obvious that Riley was tired. He too had had a busy day in kindergarten, tiring for a youngster. Family dinner at Nana’s, with us there as well, took even more effort for an energetic child.

At one point, Riley became upset, his feelings hurt. I watched Chris kneel down beside his son to talk, to listen to his upset, to ask what Riley needed, rather than telling Riley what Chris thought he needed.

Father’s role is so important. Parenting today is tough. So much more is expected of dads than in the past . Being a respectful, patient father requires much more than “earning a living” and discipline. Richard Wagamese says, “It starts with humility. When we learn humility, we can begin to have respect for others.” Respect is a very important part of loving.

I believe that fathers today need all the support we can give them. I challenge my readers to remember to hold fathers in prayer. Pick a father from your work place, your church, your community. Each day for the next month spend time with God, asking God to bless this particular father, and all fathers, with the strength, confidence, and love needed to be a respectful patient, loving father.

We all need to remember that children learn what they live. Respect is a part of the journey toward a peaceful, loving world.