Thank You to our Dads

Last year, we celebrated Mother’s Day with an open note of thanks to our moms. This year, we are giving a shout-out to all the men in our lives who helped to shape us into the people we are today.

Every one of us has a different relationship with our dad—some of us might not have a traditional father figure—but most of us have a special male role model who encouraged, influenced, and helped us become better people. And while we know dads tend to be less sentimental than moms, we think they’re just as deserving of celebration.

Thanks for Teaching Life Skills
Whether your dad was brainy or brawny, athletic or artsy, good with his hands or good with his pocketbook, there’s no doubt he showed you invaluable life skills.

Thanks to all the dads who taught their kids so many lessons like how to balance a budget, change a flat tire, unclog a drain, cook a soufflé, and follow their heart.

Thanks for the Support
So much of being a parent is just showing up: For all the daddy-daughter dances, little league practices, recitals, concerts, and graduations.

And thanks for showing up in the hard times, too - for the support during the health scares, heartbreaks, and very first speeding tickets.

Thanks for Shaping Our Beliefs
We’re grateful for all the sports fanfare and classic-rock education, but most of all, thanks for living out your faith.

Thanks, Dads, for taking us to Sunday service, for leading Bible studies, for volunteering to chaperon youth-group ski trips, for singing loudly and off-key in the church pews, and for the hours and hours you’ve spent praying for your family.

Thanks for all the Good Advice…
Dads have a lifetime of experience and mountains of advice. They’re the ones to ask about how to find a good contractor, how to ask for a raise, or how to get your own children to sleep through the night.

Dad Wisdom from the MAA Team:

If you are going to do something, do it right, from start to finish. Otherwise, there is no reason to even begin. – Sheila’s Dad

My dad has shown me what work ethic is. Since I was little, he has always worked hard to support us all. -Heather’s Dad

As I was growing up, my dad would always say “Whatever you think is best.” I really did not like this response and wished he would just give me an answer. Now, I see that he was doing it on purpose, forcing me to make my own decisions and to learn what right from wrong may be. I have adapted this as a father myself, telling my son something similar. -Joe’s Dad

I am appreciative that my dad taught me the value of hard work and to take pride in everything I do. No matter the outcome, as long as I did it to the best of my ability, he said that was all that mattered. -Kristy’s Dad

If you have a great dad who teaches you, supports you, shapes you, advises you, and loves you, don’t forget to thank him on Father’s Day. And if your dad has passed on, say a thankful prayer that you had him in your life.

1 John 3:1
See what love the Father has given us, that we should be called children of God; and that is what we are.