Chaplain’s Column

Celebrating Father’s Day with inspiration

“Dad jokes” have become internet-famous in the last few years.

You could spend hours watching and reading puns, riddles and one-liners under that heading.

I asked my (adult) children – and some other people – what makes something a Dad joke, in their mind. They answered, “Corny… Clean… Lame… Predictable… and (my personal favorite) ‘I just miss them.’”

One son commented recently that when he hears himself say, “I’m hungry,” he still almost expects me to chime in with “OK, I’ll be Romania.”

I confess I am not only guilty of Dad jokes, but I love them as a social media trend.

For years, the media has portrayed men primarily as either violent brutes or clueless buffoons.

What a novel and encouraging idea, that men might bring simple, innocent, warm humor into the world! In fact, what an aspiration for us: to see the lighter side of life, to make others smile (or roll their eyes), even to keep troubles in perspective.

What an opening that can be: to communicate hope, love, and a faithful presence that will carry our loved ones through life’s challenges.

As we come to Father’s Day this weekend, a mix of emotions will flood our culture. Some of us cherish close bonds forged over a lifetime with our father; some grieve a father who has died; some feel resentment or sadness at a father who was absent or cruel; many experience a mix of these and more.

For some the focus turns also to a “spiritual father,” who may or may not be a blood relative, but who taught us, shaped us, nurtured us and inspired us. That teacher, pastor, mentor, stepfather, Scout leader or friend is also worth celebrating on Father’s Day.

How will we celebrate? Many of us will focus on things that Dad likes to do. Baseball parks and golf courses will be full to capacity, and the waterways will be dense with boating and fishing.

Grocery stores will sell huge quantities of cold beer and sweet tea, and grills will pour out billows of smoke. Some families will shower Dad with gifts, restoring that dwindling supply of neckties and coffee mugs.

Many who are separated from their fathers by distance will let technology draw them closer by phone or video chat. Those separated by death may browse old photos, pray, visit his grave, listen to his favorite music, or find some other way to remember and to feel closer.

One of the greatest gifts you can give, though, is to celebrate Father’s Day with inspiration. A father’s greatest legacy will always be the impact he makes on others.

Consider what it is about your father’s character that you admire, and how he can propel you to be more the man or woman you want to be. Consider those “spiritual fathers” and the wisdom and worth that they nurtured in you. Consider God, whom the Bible calls Father, even to the fatherless – as our Source, our Provider, our Protector, and the perfect Lover of our souls.

At its best, this holiday is an opportunity to hear a fresh invitation to walk in the footsteps of our fathers, both earthly and heavenly.

So, whatever your relationship with your father, make this weekend an excuse to honor and celebrate fatherhood. Watch some “Dad Jokes” on YouTube until you laugh, cry or just groan.

Be thankful for the men who have taught and inspired you. Resolve, whether you are a father or not – whether you are a man or a woman – to move others to humor and goodness, purpose and hope. Let it be a day of warm laughter.

As for me, I’m going to put some steaks on the grill – hope you’re Hungary!