Father's Day

 

Here I am with my parents when they came to visit me in Amman for the first time this April, 2014.

It many respects, parenting is second nature. Our children are born, and we either instantly bond to them, feeling the strong desire to protect and love them, or we develop the skills necessary to provide and care for them through trial and error, and just plain old instinct. Some parents carefully plan ahead for their roles, and others are thrust into parenthood without any preparation whatsoever. Many parents also believe that they are given the gift of parenthood, and the honor of raising one of God’s children. They quickly realize that their children are not merely products of their efforts and guidance, but they are unique individuals who enter this world with blueprints of their own. They may carry some of their parents’ character traits and features, but they are definitely their own distinct selves. They grow and change and then grow and change some more. As parents, we have to set healthy boundaries then stand back and let this happen, for better or worse. We need to be there to patiently love, support and guide them throughout the process, especially when they fall down. In the end, it is the trust and confidence we have in our children that allows them to blossom and carve out their own paths in life. A parent’s love for his children bolsters them and gives them the fortitude to persevere in life, and the curiosity to explore it without fear. We hope they take the best of what we have shown them, and forgive us for our many shortcomings as parents. In short, we do our best. 

Fortunately for me, my father has always been there for me in this way, but even more importantly, my father and I are friends. He is interesting, kind and smart with valuable insights and ideas to share. Over the years, we have both grown and changed so much, and we have invested time in getting to know and understand one another better—time we did not have as I was growing up. As I grow older, I see in myself a lot of my dad, and an equal portion of my mother—both their quirks and virtues! I am so grateful for the time I have been blessed to have with them, and for their influences on my life. Since my father retired a few years ago, I have had more opportunities to spend time with him, to talk with him, and to know him, despite the miles between us.

My sister-in-law recently made a statement that has stuck with me: “Parenthood is exhausting at times, but it is a beautiful, happy exhaustion!” Dad, I know I have exhausted you over the years, and I thank you for all you have done and been in my life, and continue to be. Happy Father’s Day! 

 Happy Father’s Day to every man who plays the role of “Father” in a child’s life, no matter how old the child…it’s a lifetime post, fatherhood! To be a father is a labor of love that yields the most beautiful fruit. To quote Abdu’l Baha,

“O Lord! I am a child; enable me to grow beneath the shadow of Thy loving-kindness. I am a tender plant; cause me to be nurtured through the outpourings of the clouds of Thy bounty. I am a sapling of the garden of love; make me into a fruitful tree.

Thou art the Mighty and the Powerful, and Thou art the All-Loving, the All-Knowing, the All-Seeing.”

Here is my dad with his brood of five, and my lovely mother. This was taken in early 1971. 

I am the babe in arms.