Get High on Life

Published 12:00 am Saturday, June 17, 2000

HAROLD KELLER / L’Observateur / June 17, 2000

A few years ago, a Christian group of people who ministered in a state prison for men, thought it was a good idea to offer Mother’s Day cards to any inmate who wanted one. The idea was a great success; in fact, they had togo out and buy more cards.

The group thought it only natural to do the same for Father’s Day. This timethey were prepared and had enough cards for everyone. What a shock! Onlythree cards were given away.

Mother’s Day was a special day when they remembered the love and compassion of their mothers. Sending a Mother’s Day card with a personalmessage was important to them. On the other hand, Father’s Day didn’tbring back fond memories. I’ve often said that we have a nation of fatherlessfamilies – not only those fathers who are deceased, but many who are still living, but are present in body only. I am praying that the hearts of thesefathers be turned toward their children and the children’s hearts turned toward their fathers, as the Bible says.

If our once-great nation is to survive, the family unit must be restored with God-fearing men as the head – loving their wives as God loves the church and being the godly role models for their children.

This Sunday, we will celebrate Father’s Day. Many men will be honored bytheir families, some deserving – some not so deserving.

A couple of years ago, I ran into a young father who had a baseball cap with the message – “World’s Greatest Day.” I knew the young man pretty well andasked, “Who gave you the cap?” “My kids,” he said. “They lied to you,” I saidin a joking manner, but meant what I said. It’s time we, as fathers, startgetting real. It’s time for children to start being honest with their parents.This Father’s Day, my suggestion to all children whose fathers are still alive, is to not worry about purchasing a gift. Give your father something he willtreasure for a lifetime. Give him something of real value – a personal lettersharing your heart with him. Let him know how much you love him, but also behonest and tell him what you expect of him as a father. Ask him what youcould do to improve the relationship you have with him. Let him know thatyou need him as a full-time father, not only between TV commercials or when he has nothign else to do. Tell him you want Father’s Day to be every day,not only one designated Sunday in June.

I’m sure the retail merchants will not like this advice, but don’t spend money on a gift that will only be appreciated for a few days and totally forgotten by next year. Write that letter to your father and share your heart with love.That gift will last a lifetime and could change the lives of an entire family.

HAROLD KELLER writes this column as part of his affiliation with the Get High on Life religious motivational group.

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