Fathers deserve recognition

On the 19th, we will be celebrating Father’s Day, a holiday that originated here in Spokane. In 1910, a daughter (one of six children) of a single Civil War veteran proposed the idea. After many false starts, President Nixon made it an official national observance in 1972.

Although being a mother is the most important job in the world, fatherhood is by no means unimportant. There is a definite correlation between fatherless homes and teen delinquency. A girl’s choice of a mate is largely influenced by her relationship to her father. So is her concept of God. Boys will often follow in their father’s footsteps.

Father’s teach their children to take risks. While the mother may use caution, on a swing set, the father will often push them higher. Likewise, it will probably be the father who encourages his teens to “push the envelope” when it comes to such things as career choices.

In closing, I will admonish you fathers to be worthy of being honored. Be consistent in your rules and your punishments. Don’t indulge in favoritism. You are the captain of your ship. Let the Bible be your chart and you will never founder.

Douglas Benn

Spokane