Ah, Father’s Day. The one day a year that we celebrate the men in our lives – our fathers, husbands, uncles, grandfathers, brothers and sons. Yet, there are 40 million more cards purchased for Mother’s Day than for Father’s Day. Why is that?

This year, I only bought one card – for my husband. As my daughter and I were researching scripture verses to include in his card and on his gift (for a beautiful painting she had made), we came across Ephesians 6:4 – “Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.” It got me thinking about whether we, as a society, are “intensely irritating” or “infuriating” our children more these days. Or are we doing better at training and leading our children in the way of the Lord? Definitely something worth contemplating.

Other than that, I didn’t buy any other Father’s Day cards.

My own father passed away 25 years ago this summer and I miss him terribly. Even though it’s been a long time, seems like it has also flown by. Every year on Father’s Day, I think deeply about him and all the things in life that he has missed…birthdays, graduations, weddings, grandchildren, anniversaries, and so much more. Each year should get easier, and to a degree it does, but the hurt seems to just be a little deeper.

Some very wise young ladies I know have recently reminded me of the saying: “Anyone can be a father, but it takes someone special to be a DADDY!” The original author is unknown, but the phrase has taken on a life of its own. In fact, I’ve seen it on several Father’s Day cards. And I think it’s oh-so-true.