Elijah and I are very blessed to have Stephen in our lives. He lovingly provides for us, protects us, and gives up pretty much everything for us. He is my best friend, my husband, my provider, my shelter and my earthly example of godliness. To Elijah, he is 'da da', playmate, provider, the guy who leaves every morning for work with Elijah whining while watching him walk away, and the guy who plays with him on the floor before meals and nap times. Yes, we are blessed.
Since this is Father's Day weekend, I have been thinking more on the topic of fathers. I have a wonderful father. My dad loved his family unconditionally, gave everything for us, and never once made us feel like we were a burden to him. Instead, even if my dad was stressed or depressed (which I'm sure he often was!!), he amazingly lived a life that made us feel like we were his favorite blessings.
Since I have such wonderful examples of 'fathers' through my own dad and through Stephen....it saddens me when I peruse how father's are often forgotten or neglected in society. So, this is for the "Forgotten Fathers."
Fatherhood seems so unappreciated in our current world. Media portrays dads are either the 'absent non-involved man' or the 'dumb goof on the couch.' If a father actually wants to step up and be involved in his family life, the tide turns and they then label him as 'obsessive' and 'over-bearing.'
They are often forgotten on their own holiday and expected to 'not care.' For instance, most churches will celebrate Mother's Day extensively, yet barely give a head nod on Father's Day. Don't get me wrong, mothers are very important. I LOVE being a mom and trust me, I also love being appreciate and that being expressed to me. Yet, moms could not be the mothers that they enjoy (or would like to be) if dads were not doing their job. We are mutually dependent. Because of Stephen's willingness to carry the financial burden of our home, I had the honor of being home with Elijah full time and devoting my attention to him. Because of Stephen's willingness to be our protector, I can relax at night and not fear for my safety or for Elijah's welfare. Because Stephen does an amazing job as a Father, I am freed to do my best as a mom.
My wish for Father's Day is that women would be more intentional to thank the various Fathers in their lives and commit to lift them up with their words and actions. If women would not tolerate the ridicule of men in the media and society, perhaps the tide would shift and they would begin to be given the respect they deserve. Life is not simply about being celebrated for being a woman....although I love being one!! Let us also celebrate the men in our life and the ways they are special.
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