Scripture mentions fathers or something related to fathering over 1,000 times, including Proverbs 23:22, which tells us to “Listen to the daddy who gave you life,” and Proverbs 13:1, “A sensible child hears his father’s instruction.”
With Father’s Day just across the corner, all of us wish to treat these special men in our lives with creativity and kindness. Healthy, loving, kind dads are gifts from God. We are so thankful for the positive dads and pa figures in our lives. That said—to all of the mothers on the earth, you achieve this much. You balance to-do lists, budgets, errands, care, and scheduling details that make the family calendar go round. Therefore, you would possibly come to Father’s Day with some stress! Or, you would possibly come to at the present time on the calendar with some pain or heartache related to your personal father-wounds, from absentee fathers, from dads who’ve passed away, or as a result of an estranged relationship along with your dad. (See article, prayers for estranged relations, for a prayer guide about that sensitive topic.)
What does it mean to honor and rejoice Father’s Day when it’s fun and when it’s hard? The word honor, biblically, signifies something that’s heavy or weighty. It means to present something the burden it deserves, the gravitas it deserves. The word rejoice means to laugh, to feast, and to play. Father’s Day deserves each seriousness and celebration. Honoring and celebrating the deserving dads on the earth isn’t any small thing. Honoring and celebrating your personal pain or longings around the vacation is just as vital. And when you definitely intend to make the day special for the daddy of your kiddos—and your personal father as well—on Father’s Day, the final thing you would like is one other stressor, especially if it seems like an already emotional holiday.
This yr, take the pressure off yourself and consider turning up the amount, elevating, or taking a creative spin on a number of the old classics. And consider taking a while to listen to and honor your personal grief, and the pain of those in need during Father’s Day this yr. Here are a number of fun and a few more serious spins on the classic Father’s Day gifts:
- Instead of a tie, have your kids pick a cool t-shirt for Dad, something that speaks to his personality. My husband’s favorite movie from the 80s is Rad. His favorite show is Survivor. We ordered a Rad t-shirt one yr and a Survivor tee in one other. Think of his favorite things for fun t-shirt themes. You might even design a personalised t-shirt. Get your kids involved and have a good time.
- Instead of a homemade or store-bought card, have your kids make a video card. Film them saying a few of their favorite things about Dad, possibly even dressed up like him so as to add a cute spin to it.
- Instead of breakfast in bed, have your kids plan a breakfast scavenger hunt, like a moveable feast with clues to every next a part of the meal. Bacon on the back porch, eggs within the kitchen, pancakes by the television. Go crazy and get creative!
- Instead of an old-school mix tape, have your kids create a dad-themed playlist on a streaming service with a few of their favorite songs or father-themed music! Blast it in the home and have a dance party!
- Instead of cologne or one other stereotypical gift, have your kids design a realm in Minecraft or create a Father’s Day message in on one among their favorite gaming platforms. Heck! Have your kids design a Father’s Day video game. Many of them have already got the tech know-how to try this. Let them impress Dad with their digital creations.
- Instead of doing something for a dad—especially f you had a difficult relationship along with your dad, otherwise you’re grieving the lack of a dad, or your kid’s dad aren’t any longer in the image—do something special for yourself and your kids. Go see a movie. Take yourself out to lunch. Or do something in honor of your grief, in honor of your dad’s legacy, or your husband’s legacy. Use today to honor your personal longings or loss and to bond along with your precious kiddos.
- Instead of celebrating alone, when you are a part of a small group or church community or continue to exist a neighborhood block with lots of dads, throw a Father’s Day picnic, a barbecue, and/or a dad-themed karaoke night for you and your pals.
- Instead of a standard toast, create a top ten list “presentation” of the highest ten dads on television, in the flicks, in literature, or within the Bible.
- Instead of shopping for something extraneous for him, give Dad a break – send him golfing, camping, mountain climbing, or to an arcade- alone or with the family.
- Instead of spending lots of money, provide you with a listing of father puns and “bad” dad jokes to share with the person in your life.
- Instead of assuming what would feel loving to him, discover and utilize his love language – gifts, physical affection, words of affirmation, quality time, acts of service – to honor and rejoice him.
- Instead of looking inward, consider the fatherless and widows in your community on Father’s Day. Psalm 68:5 describes God as Father to the fatherless and protector of widows. Psalm 82:3 tells us to hunt justice for the weak and fatherless. God’s heart is moved towards the orphan and the widow, and on a day like Father’s Day, we are able to serve and glorify God and love our neighbors by caring for the fatherless in our midst. Do something special, meaningful, and dignifying for them.
Depending in your current circumstances, Father’s Day could be fun and lighthearted or, obviously, more of an emotionally stressful day for you and your loved ones. Whatever sorrow or celebration you might be coming to the vacation with, you possibly can rejoice the dads in your life in fun and inventive ways. You can honor your personal needs. And you possibly can honor the concerns of your neighbors. Consider this Father’s Day your invitation to all of it.
Photo Credit: Image created using DALL.E 2024 AI technology and subsequently edited and reviewed by our editorial team.
