“Get High on Life” – Harold Keller

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 to go out and buy more cards.

The group thought it only natural to do the same for Father’s Day. This time, they were prepared and had enough cards for everyone. What a shock! Only three 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 personal message was important to them.

On the other hand, Father’s Day didn’t bring back fond memories. I’ve often said that we have a nation of fatherless families – 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 those fathers 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 godly role models for their children.

This Sunday, we will celebrate Father’s Day. Many men will be honored by their 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 Dad.” I knew the young man pretty well and asked, “Who gave you the cap?” My kids,” he answered. “They lied to you, ” I said in a joking manner, but meant what I said. It’s time we, as fathers, started getting 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.

Instead, give your father something of real value – a personal letter sharing your heart with him. Let him know how much you love him, but also be honest and tell him what you expect of him as a father.

Ask him what you can do to improve your relationship with him. Let him know that you need him as a full-time father, not only between tv commercials, or when he has nothing else to do. Tell him you want Father’s Day to be every day, not just 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 organization. Call 652-8477 or write to P.O. Drawer U, Reserve, LA 70084.