The much awaited Fathers’ Day has come. Let us see it as a special day: a day to physically celebrate with our Fathers. We don’t have to wait till they die and celebrate them lavishly while they are gone and gone asleep for good into eternal sleep that stirs not, and that knows naught. Let us celebrate them in appreciation for the talents God has given them.

   Jesus said in Mt.28:14-15, “At that time, the kingdom of heaven will be like this. Once there was a man who was about to go on a journey:  he called his servants and put them in charge of his property. He gave to each one according to his ability.” So fathers, utilize your talent well. As a Christian and father, follow the footsteps of Jesus Christ consciously to enable you fulfill your obligation.  Be available to your family members, lead them by example and love all. The three main rules in relationship are: don’t lie; don’t cheat and don’t make promises you can’t keep.

      Every father should know that by his position as a husband and father, he is a shepherd because God has entrusted the entire family to his care. In John 10:11, 27 Jesus said, “I am the good shepherd, who is willing to die for the sheep. My sheep listen to my voice; I know them and they follow me.” When they came to arrest Jesus, He said in John 18:7-8, “Who is it you are looking for?” they said, “Jesus of Nazareth.” He said, “I have already told you that I am he. If then you are looking for me, let these others go.” So, His disciples were unharmed.

     Happiness will not come to those who fail to put a smile on others’ faces. You should not be happy because your wife failed, rather console her and help her to rise again. She is your wife: remember the marriage vows you made with her on your wedding day in the presence of God and your people. Jacob laboured for 12 years for his in-law to enable him marry the woman he loved. So, love your wife too!

    If you hate your spouse it will have negative effect on your family because both of you are one flesh. If you hate your children, please reconcile with them now to enable you lead them to God as expected of you. The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph is there to counsel and protect you and your family from evil.  “If the Lord does not build the house, the work of the builders is useless.” Ps. 127:1.  Do not depend on your wisdom but God’s wisdom as you take major decisions affecting your family.

    Oh woman, the man you once reverend so much that you have to delete your father’s name from your Credentials and replaced it with his and vowed publicly to love him for the remaining days of your life is still here for you. If the Nigeria current situations have changed his character, it is your duty, to smile at him and call him your sweet-heart again and the sweetness will abound! Try it today and you will not regret it.

 

      Do not get angry with him when he takes you for granted. Your present challenges should not becloud your view of his agility. Switch love on with a smile and you will know today that the data has not expired. So, what are you waiting for? Dance away your sorrow and kiss him like you did on your wedding day to discover that he is still the only sugar in your tea!

 

       Sometimes when things are falling apart, they may actually be falling into place. Whether your parents are not there to support you, braise up for your testimonies. Our true fear is not in our inability but in our potentials we have not engaged. Even if your father has not done much for you, celebrate him now that he is alive. Like Obama, take a decision today to express all the good in you, all the kindness in you and all the creative power in you.

     Barack Obama could not celebrate his late father when he came to Africa.  His late father is of the Lou ethnic group from Kenya. Barak Obama was 56yrs old when he became the 44th President of the United States, the first Black President in over 200 years of American presidential history. Later Obama visited Kenya and wrote fondly about the emotional visit in his popular memoirs, Dream from My Father. “Only in America is my story even possible.” says Obama.

      To head a family is not easy but those who recognize God’s presence in their lives especially when they face difficulties will be delivered when they call on Him. “I prayed to the Lord, and He answered me; He freed me from all my fears. The oppressed look to Him and are glad; they will never be disappointed. The helpless call to Him, and He answers; He saves them from all their troubles.” Ps. 34:4-6.

     Man, say and prove to your wife today that she is the apple of your eye.    The greatest sorrows are those we caused ourselves. Never help an ungrateful person get on his or her feet. It is like telling a wolf that you are a sheep. You have a wife, so no need looking for side-chic even if your wife encourages you to do so. Abraham was encouraged by his wife Sarah to have it with their slave-girl, Hagar who in the process gave birth to Ishmael. And much later she regretted it. You too should not influence your wife to love another man. “A monkey that eats with both hands will sooner than later fall off the tree.”

      A father should not underrate his wife or children as they journey together. God can supply your needs directly through you or through any member of the family. The presence of Jesus Christ brought about the popularity of the Holy Family. Each member of the family performed their roles perfectly. So, approach the unchangeable God and He will empower you to leave your footprint on the soil of life to enable others remember you when you are gone.  Happy Fathers’ Day to you all!

     Fathers, as your families celebrate you today, sing with Jimmy Cliff:

You are my special,

Turn me on.

You are my mirror of tomorrow.