SuZan Klassen

What do you do for Father’s Day?

Expectations for the day may be wrapped up in expectations of the parent—both fulfilled and unfulfilled. Was that man the father you wanted him to be?

Last weekend one of our adult children asked if they and their children could come over this Sunday. I think it’s a good sign when your kids and grandkids want to spend Father’s Day with you.

We won’t be doing anything fancy—just ice cream. Maybe cake. Maybe not. Maybe just fresh raspberries for topping. They would be tasty and easy. Easy is good.

Activities beyond eating ice cream? Conversation and simple yard games with the kids, weather permitting. Simple is good.

Of all the things that could be done to honor Dad, no fuss may be best.

I’m grateful for the relationship my kids and grandkids have with my husband. But I realize not everyone has been so blessed. Perhaps a mulligan is the only solution.

Mulligan, a golf term for when your golf ball is lost so deep into the weeds you’re never going to find it. Your golfing buddies grant you a mulligan.

It’s possible your relationship with Dad is so lost in the weeds, a start over is the only solution. I realize there are no do-overs in life. But there can be start overs from where you are now. And there can be forgiveness through God’s grace.

After all, it might not be all your Dad’s fault. Were you the perfect child?

If I may, I’d like to encourage you to remove some of those expectations of perfection. I don’t know any human being who can fulfill perfection anyway. Do you?

Of all the things that could be said to Dad, “I’m sorry” or “I forgive you,” may be good solutions. Or perhaps a simple thank you is what is most needed for both you and your parent. Simple is good.

When I began this blog with the title and theme of: Travel Light, I had more in mind that mere physical travel—enjoyable as that is. My biggest theme has always been about traveling light through life.

My hope for you is that you will be able to do that. May your heart not be burdened with the heaviness of bitterness or unforgiveness. To that end, I hope you will consider how you may make your relationships healthier.

What are your thoughts? What are some ways you’ve celebrated Father’s Day? Tell me about them in the comments below.

If you want to write to me without your comments being shared publicly, tell me so when you write. I’ll be glad to keep your comments private.

Until next time . . . Travel Light,
SuZan

© 2019 SuZan Klassen