Can you believe the month of June is here! School is almost out, June 1 is Ascension Sunday, June 8 is Pentecost, June 15 is Father’s Day and Trinity Sunday, and June 21 is the first day of summer. Wow! Now let’s turn our focus first on Pentecost Sunday – the joyous celebration of the coming of the Holy Spirit to comfort and empower the church for her mission. <!–split–> Pentecost (from the Greek pentecoste, meaning “fiftieth”) begins the 6th season of the Christian year, the Season after Pentecost. It commemorates the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on all people 50 days after the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The event of Pentecost is the fulfillment of our Lord’s promise to bestow the Holy Spirit on all of His people. Pentecost is also the birthday of the New Testament Church. Friends, the Liturgical calendar tells us in June, we celebrate Father’s Day, June 15th.
As a Father, you probably always knew that your role in parenting was important. Most fathers do. Still, it has not been as clearly defined as a mother’s side of parenting. In my years of experience I have observed that fathers parent differently from mothers. They play more with their children. Their actions are more physical and less intimate with more of a reliance on humor and excitement.
I have been told that a father’s more playful interactive style is important in teaching a child self-control.
And these interactions appear to be central to the child’s ability to maintain strong, fulfilling social relationships in later years. I believe (if a father is present) that a father should be involved from the very beginning and create times and activities in which the father cares for the baby entirely alone. Tell how you (the father) feel. If you are fearful, frustrated, or jealous of the time your wife spends with the baby, discuss these feelings with your wife. Tune in to your children. Don’t rely on their mother to read what a child wants or needs. Accept your partner’s parenting style. It may be different from yours, but that doesn’t make it wrong. Have patience. Children might not immediately respond to dad who suddenly wants to be more involved – but give it a try!
Happy Father’s Day to all Dads!
— Grace, Peace (and Joy), Pastor Flo