Good Fathers are made
12 Baskets Full
A Father’s Basket
To be a good father, you need a model, an example of a father you can emulate, but where to find one. According to 2018 statistics, 64% of all families in South Africa grow up without a father figure. While these statistics are very concerning, I am encouraged by dr. James Dobson, who reminds us that, “Good Fathers are made, not born.”
To illustrate his point, I want to tell you a story about a man named George McClusky.[1]
When George McClusky married and started a family, he decided to invest one hour a day in prayer; because he wanted his kids to follow Christ. After a time, he expanded his prayer to include his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Every day between 11 a.m. and noon, he prayed for the next three generations.
As the years went by, his two daughters committed their lives to Christ and married men who went into full-time ministry. The two couples produced four girls and one boy. Each of the girls married men who went into full-time ministry, and the boy became a pastor.
The first two children born to this generation were both boys. Upon graduation from High School, the two cousins chose the same college and became roommates. During their sophomore year; one boy decided to go into the ministry. The other didn’t. He undoubtedly felt some pressure to continue the family legacy, but he chose instead to pursue his interest in psychology.
He earned his doctorate and eventually wrote books for parents that became bestsellers. He started a radio program heard on more than a thousand stations each day. The man’s name – the very same James Dobson I quoted a little earlier.
Let’s get practical!
Since we are celebrating Father’s Day in a couple of days, I trust you will find all kinds of good gift ideas here. One boy, when asked to describe Father’s Day, said, “It’s just like Mother’s Day, you just do not spend that much on the present!”
A Bible: The Sword of the Spirit
A wonderful way to bless Dad is by giving him a different Bible translation, a Life Principle Bible, a mother tongue translation or a Kindle with the YouVersion downloaded in bigger print. Add to that a devotional from someone he admires, an audio book of a favourite Christian author or a new release from a much-loved worship band.
Remember to write an encouraging word, or a special note in front of the Bible or the book – for it will mean the world to your Dad, trust me!
A Hobby: Tools to Tech to Transport
This can be anything that your Dad finds interesting and loves doing. The gift can be sport specific, like running, cycling, surfing or golf for example. It can be associated with outdoor adventures: like fishing or hunting. I know friends who have an enviable knife collection, for example. Other men enjoy music, woodwork or cooking and any gift that relates to these interests will be highly appreciated. Then there are the vintage car collectors, the handyman and the bird watcher. Whether a spatula or a snazzy new tool collection, it will be appreciated and used, trust me! I forgot to mention the tech savvy engineers, gamers and photographers. If none of these struck your fancy, my husband concluded that you will not go wrong with a back massage!
[1] https://vision.org.au/the-word-for-today/associated-blog/the-word-for-today-devotional-content/the-story-of-george-mccluskey/
