Father's Day Thoughts

Here are some of my thoughts on Father's Day. Have you ever wondered why it is so hard to get a gift for dad? You don't know what he wants. And if you ask him what he wants he says, nothing. I wondered about this and I have an idea or two as to how to improve your chances of getting your father a gift that will bless his heart.

You need to understand that a man is reluctant to tell you what he wants out of a fear of being humiliated or ridiculed or criticized for telling you what he really wants. This is a trust issue. You may not be able now to give dad what he wants, but he ought to be able to say it without fear of looking stupid or selfish.

Another male trait I call the Santa let me down syndrome. If a man dares to say something specific that he really wants, and then does not get, he will never ask for anything ever again. That kind of disappointment is never recovered from. That's why kids stop believing in Santa. That's also why dads tell you they want nothing. If you don't expect anything you cannot be disappointed. 

How can you honor your father on Father's Day? You cannot wait until the day before to start thinking about it. You have to pay attention all year long. Have you ever heard your father comment on something that he used or noticed? Have you ever heard your father compliment another man on his clothes or his hobbies or his vacation plans? You have to work at honoring your father by paying attention to him and by listening to him all of the time. He will tell you what he really wants, but you have to be smart enough to hear him when he speaks.

One final word. A coffee cup is better than nothing, but if that is all you have to show you love and respect you don't love or respect very much. You have to plan and budget for dad gifts because they will cost real money to mean anything. BBQ is great but he can have brisket anytime. Honor is the value we place on someone. Giving proves how much we love them.

One final word. I know that not all dads are honorable. You can change that. If you honor him and he disappears you did your part. God keeps good books. But at least try. You may surprise him!