Dads are like the poets. They're usually not really appreciated until they're gone.

Actually, NO ONE is appreciated until it's too late, it seems. Oh...Mothers have songs and poems written about them, but Dad gets less. And the fact is, I don't recall hearing any of the men complaining about it, unless it was just in fun. There's a little ditty that says "Men may work from sun til sun, but a woman's work is never done." but I don't remember anything like that for Pop.

Because actually, although there are periods of the day or night when he may not be physically working, you can be sure that a responsible Dad is concerned about something. The bills, a sick son or daughter, or a grown up son or daughter who's having rough sledding. Or the crops, or the tractor that needs replacing.

There are some who say it's a sin to worry...that if you put everything in the hands of the Lord (provided you're living for Him) that He'll work it out.

Well, they're right. If you follow Christ, He will be with you through troublesome times. But it surely would take someone even stronger than Paul the Apostle to never worry. You can whitewash it by calling it "concern," but there are times when we worry.

But the Lord is still there, even when our faith is weak. He saw it in the very disciples He personally chose to be with Him to learn from Him and to pass it on to us through our forefathers.

It's good that He understands. Now if your Dad is still among the living, call or write and let him know you love him. And if you have a child growing up, live before him or her so that you'll earn their love and respect. In doing so, you'll respect yourself.

Happy Fathers Day, all you Dads.

37BT Bill Thornton April 28, 1993