For me, at my stage of life, the celebration of Father’s Day is now a day of reflection. Maturity and the experiences that occupy the aging process has better equipped me with the reflective calmness to enjoy the good times and the fathers in my past.

I certainly think of my dad, as I do every day, and how he provided me with a never-ending bounty of wisdom. He always provided me with the greatest gift being that of “his time”. He never "tended to my business" but was always ready to "talk me off the cliff" whenever I needed some level headedness in my life. I sure miss that and have very much needed his counsel and influence in recent years.

I think about my grandfather and how he doted on me as his only grandson. He was totally a “no frills” kinda guy but always offered me his compassionate side. I can really appreciate that reality as I have grown wiser. He left me his cantankerous and stubborn disposition and an uncompromising work ethic. My greatest thrill as a youngster was riding in his pick-up truck.

I think of my father-in-law and the “saint like” example he set forth for me and others in the way he lived his life. I think about how he welcomed me into his family when I married his daughter. I think about his role as grandfather in always making the time for fishing trips or times at the lake when I didn’t seem to have the time.

I don’t need a hallmark card, a tie or pair of socks. On this day, give me the memories of those men who were there for me in all the ways they were. I miss them. It’s only until you become a father that you embrace the full responsibility of the role and realize that you are now the memory maker. I will end with a stat for you younger dads. According to The Barna Research Group, when a father takes his children to church, they are 75% more likely to attend church as an adult. Happy Father’s day !!!