Father's Day? Not here

So, it is Father’s Day in the USA today.

Here in Australia, we don’t celebrate Father’s Day until the first Sunday in September. Guess that gives the kids time to save up their hard earned pocket money (do any of them actually earn it these days or is it just a guilt gift from parents who are not “spending” time with them … hmmm...) and not have two heavy outlays in two months, after Mother’s Day in May. There is also time to get the creative juices working again to make that gift. And of course, we have that celebration of the Queen’s Birthday on the second Monday in June (that is the Queen at the Palace in London I am referring to, by the way!)

Anyway, back to the point of Father’s Day. I thought I might put forward a few frivolous thoughts on the subject for those Dads who didn’t get a big celebration today.

· No husband has ever been shot while doing the dishes.
· My idea of housework is to sweep the room with a glance.
· Before you criticize someone, walk a mile in his shoes; that way, if he’s angry, he’ll be a mile away and barefoot.
· Men are from earth. Women are from earth. Deal with it.

And then something which is a bit more thoughtful for Dads out there who are finding it a bit hard sometimes.

May each father see as his role, together with his wife, as being not only the first teacher of their children, but also the very best of teachers, bearing witness to the beliefs and faith by what they say and do.

May each father win the respect and affection of their children, by the caring love, wise direction and good example they lavish on their children.

In return, may children look trustingly to their fathers with respect and love.

I ask this blessing on all fathers, today and always. And all mothers also.