10 Ideas: Esteeming Dad on Father's Day

10 Ideas: Esteeming Dad on Father's Day


Mary May Larmoyeux

Daddy always said to love the Lord and treat others just like you wanted to be treated ... to tell the truth ... to work hard.

Daddy always said, "If you write a check, be sure the money's in the bank ... and that doesn't mean you just think there's enough."

Daddy always said to display good sportsmanship. ... I'll never forget attending the obedience school graduation when my dog and I flunked our class!

The calendar has now turned to June, and once again my thoughts turn to Father's Day ... and Daddy.

... once again, I miss him.

... once again, I wish I had another chance to say, "I love you!"

You and your children may still have that chance. I hope that some of the following 10 ideas will help you do something today to express your love and appreciation to the special dads in your life.

1. Have each of the kids paint their names (in their own style and favorite colors) on a solid white tie. Children who cannot write could draw a small picture. "Although I seldom wear ties and my kids are mostly grown now, I wear that tie to church on Father's Day every year."
–Contributed by Dennis Leake

2. Record favorite memories with your dad and how much he means to you. If possible, burn this on a CD and surprise him on Father's Day with "something special to listen to" on his drive to work.
–Contributed by Hugh Duncan

3. Frame a special handwritten note or tribute. Even little ones can give Dad a unique note with printed letters or crayon-colored pictures. Adult children may want to give their fathers an actual tribute (read The Best Gift You Can Ever Give Your Parents).
–Contributed by Tim Spyridon

4. Honor your father through your marriage. "After Kathy and I had been married for about 15 years, we were visiting Mom and Dad. As we were about ready to depart, Dad pulled me aside and said, 'I'm proud of you, son. You've got a good woman and family there.' I think it honored him that finally a Helvey was getting it right."
–Contributed by Bob Helvey

5. Recreate an experience with your father that brings back memories (going to a special sporting event, amusement park, camping trip, etc.). With adult siblings, it's fun to remember identical events from different perspectives.
–Contributed by Rick Maupin

6. Give your dad gifts to encourage him in his special hobby or talent. Kids could wrap individual presents that all relate to a central theme. "My kids gave me some canvas, oil paints, brushes, and such. I haven't painted in years and they were trying to jump-start me."
–Contributed by Lee Smith

7. Mom, help the kids plan and prepare a secret picnic for Dad. The kids can hijack him for a special time. You can send them all off with the picnic basket and a map to their surprise destination.
–Contributed Dennis Leake

8. Take some time to retrieve some specific memories of things you did with your dad, which you remember but he may not. Reflect on them: what was important, significant, fun or memorable about them? Write those specific memories in a letter. If your father is nearby, take him to lunch (or breakfast). Let him read the letter and then talk together about those specific memories. If your father does not live nearby, send him the letter and follow it up with a phone call.
–Contributed by Mark Trover

9. Men, if your son has blessed you with grandchildren, you may want to give him a blessing for Father's Day. "Dad prayed the most awesome prayer that went straight to my soul. He said he was proud of me. He asked God to bless me, my wife, our children, and future grandchildren."
–Contributed by Matt Burns

10. If there was a period in your life of estrangement from your father, or rebellion against God, give your dad the evidence of real faith. Nothing means more to Christian fathers than the contentment of seeing God work in their children's lives. Immediately after I came back to the Lord as a young man, the gulf between my father and me evaporated. Ironically, what meant the most to Dad was not a transaction between him and me, but between me and the Lord.
–Contributed by Mark Trover