Father's day is just around the corner. I remember listening to this song when I was younger, but it wasn't until I got older that I saw the significance of that song. When I look at the culture around me I realize that one of the biggest problems we are facing is the lack of available fathers in the home. Fathers have been too long absent from the lives of their children. As a result, kids grow up insecure and unhappy. I find it interesting to see that the vast majority of the school shooters come from fatherless homes. Whether those fathers were absent through overwork, or divorce and remarriage, this profoundly impacts the sons and daughters. I remember talking to a friend who said his dad never came around to visit him after his dad's divorce. He would learn through social media that his dad had started a new family and of course, his thought was what was wrong with the first one?
Boys and girls who grow up without knowing a father's love and security grow up to be bitter, broken, and lost. This isn't exactly a recipe for their success. In fact, broken people usually end up with alcohol and drug addictions, and for some, they pursue a path of crime. Fathers really do matter in our culture.
If you are a dad, I encourage you to consider putting down the work ledger and go play catch with your son. This may seem insignificant to you who has bills to pay, but to your son and daughter spending precious time with them will last a lifetime for them. In fact, I heard retired people say that they wished they didn't work as much as they did and to spend more time with loved ones.
If you are a retired dad listening to the words of cats in the cradle and you wished you could go back and have a rewind, do not despair because you can always repair those relationships with your adult children. Sometimes, all it takes is to say, 'son' I'm sorry, will you forgive me for not spending time with you. I want to rebuild our relationship. Can you help me do that?'
God sent His son to die for each of us. Even though we rejected God, He is always open to reconciling with you. Bringing Christ into those relationships just may make all the difference in renewing those relationships.
