Adam Hamilton tells a story about a camping trip he took with his two young daughters on his birthday.
Tag: Father’s Day
An urgent need for good fathers
On June 19, 1910, thanks to Sonora Smart Dodd, a Father’s Day celebration was held at the YMCA in Spokane, Wash. The Spokane service is considered to be the beginning of Father’s Day in the United States.
The importance of fathers
As Father’s Day approaches in this year of St. Joseph, we have a timely moment to thank and pray for our fathers, the men who helped give us both physical and spiritual life.
Fatherhood is an important vocation
Fathers play such an important role in the lives of their children.
My own father died when I was only 16 years old, but he had a profound impact on my life.
Thomas Joseph McDonald (better known as Mac) was married later in life. He actually stayed with his own father until his death.
I’m sure my father received many of his values from my grandparents and great-grandparents, who are buried in the cemetery at Holy Rosary Parish in Darlington.
Thanking God for our ‘spiritual fathers’
Friday, June 26, will be a day of great joy in the Diocese of Madison. On that day, Bishop Robert C. Morlino will ordain six men to the priesthood at St. Maria Goretti Church in Madison
Responsible fathers are compassionate and good examples for their children
After Bubba Watson won the 2014 Masters, his two-year-old adopted son, Caleb, waddled onto the green to be embraced by his father.
He reminded me of John F. Kennedy Jr., saluting his father’s casket. Bubba Watson’s wife followed Caleb, and the entire family basked in the moment of glory.
Bubba Watson’s dad nicknamed him “Bubba” after former NFL player Bubba Smith, who was a good role model.
He said that his son Caleb is teaching him how precious life is. “He puts life in perspective,” he said. “Golf is a game. When I play bad, he doesn’t care. When I play great, he doesn’t care. All he cares about is, ‘Daddy give me a hug. Daddy pick me up.'”
Besides his family, another influence on Watson’s game is his faith. “Looking at my son, I want to be as Christ-like as possible,” Watson said. “I’ll never be perfect. I’m always going to mess up, but my whole goal is to be the role model for my son.”
Importance of families: Making family a priority in our lives
This is the time of year when families celebrate in so many ways. We have Mother’s Day, First Communions, graduations, Father’s Day, and the start of the wedding season.
It’s an opportunity for families to enjoy each other’s company and emphasize the good things that are happening in their lives. I hope that most people are able to take time away from other commitments and spend time with their family members of all ages.
Most families do get together for some of these occasions, but I know that other families do not have the opportunity to get together. These days some families are split apart by geographic distance, difficulties with health, or divorce and separation.
Good fathers plant eternal memories in our hearts
I remember how Dad liked to plant a garden. First, he plowed and harrowed God’s good earth. This made the soil more receptive to receive and nourish seeds.
Next, he skillfully tied a string between two stakes to help make the rows even. We children watched with awe as he reverently planted seeds in the garden’s rich soil. This was sacred time.
We waited patiently for plants to push through the soil. Finally, one memorable day we discovered a shoot that had risen from the earth. We joyfully raced to be first to share the good news. Now whenever I see a garden, I think of Dad.
Good fathers leave eternal marks of love
One summer evening dad and I sat on our front lawn and gazed at the field across the road.
Like a huge orange-red host, the sun sank slowly into the chalice of the earth. Its beauty inspired us.
Thoughtfully, dad said, “You know, we really don’t own anything.”
I quickly remembered the list of names on the deed to our land. Owner after owner paraded across the field of my memory. Then I realized that we were just stewards of the land. The real owner was God
This made an ordinary evening special. I felt close to dad.
Don’t forget fathers: They play such an important role in our lives
All of us have special memories of our fathers (at least I hope so). I especially treasure the memories of my own father, who died when I was just 16 years old.
Even though he had a busy job as a teacher, my dad always spent time with me and my sister. I can remember when he got down on the floor and played jacks with us. That was at a time when not many fathers played with their children!