My research
associates at the Internet tell me that “Mother's Day began in 1870 and
became official in 1914 while Father's Day only became official in 1972”.
Furthermore, my associates inform me, “In recent years, retailers have adapted
to the holiday by promoting greeting cards and traditionally masculine gifts
such as electronics and tools.”
My sources don’t come out and say it clearly, but I assume
these greeting cards and masculine gifts
are to be given to Dad. Can anyone
confirm that for me? In the weeks leading up to Father’s Day, I usually drop
hints about the things I can’t wait until Christmas for (e.g. iGrill remote thermometer that sends meat smoker temp signals straight to my Tablet and Smartphone via Bluetooth … stuff like that).
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| Lazy days gone by. One of my two most favorite Dad photos. |
But around our house, we don’t always march in the direction
the retail Pied Piper is leading us. Two years ago on Father’s Day I invited
all the kids (and the Babymomma, of course) to brunch. Before they fetched
their Hallmark Cards and tool kits, I presented each of my four sons a gift. Nothing
extravagant, but thoughtful.
Let me remind my readers that my family does something very unique at
Christmas. The boys each get four gifts – The Jesus Gifts. You can read more
about it here. The “big gift” is
the Gold gift. My wife and I put months of thought into a gift that honors the
life, character, interests, and love
language of each child. Hopefully, the Gold gift blesses and encourages the
child in a significant way. That’s the goal anyway.
That’s the goal and that’s the role
of Dad - to bless and encourage our children. I thought to myself, “I’m not
going to be selfish and let this day just be about me getting stuff. I want to
flip the script and in my daily role of Encourager in Chief, I want to let my
sons know that I’m proud of them and that I pay attention to their lives.”
So on this particular Father’s Day, I presented a book to
each son. They weren’t expensive books and nothing too profound. Just something
that said, “I know who you are and I love you.” At the table, I said a few words
about each child, noting their interests, activities, and steps forward in the
last year.
The kids (and Momma who knew nothing of my caper) were
wonderfully surprised by my gesture. Granted, they were in their teens to
twenties so No, I was not smothered in slobbery, loving kisses, but I hit the mark
and I knew it.
Anytime the commercial world turns the spotlight on
something, a wise person will at least look in the opposite direction and see
if there is any value to be found. I love receiving gifts, it’s my love language. But remember that
Golden Rule thing, “gift unto others as you would have others gift unto you”. Likewise,
if you want encouragement, give it. If you want honesty, give it. If you want
love, give it.
What do you want this Father’s Day? Flip the script. Give
it!
Clark H Smith
