The Message
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CommentsHappy Father's Day
Hey, Dads: What's Your Claim to Fame?
I was speaking at a conference in Houston several years ago when someone came up and asked me, "What is your claim to fame?" Without hesitation, the first word out my mouth then was "weakness."
You see, I have made many mistakes in my life, and yet now I realize that these were opportunities for growth. And through the message of Divine Mercy, I realize that God loves me in my weakness! And, when I realize my humanity and let down the guard of pride, I am at my strongest. For, "when I am weak, then I am strong" (2Cor 12:10).
As a father of seven children in today's upside down world, I not infrequently get chided for having "so many" children. Yet, children are a gift from God! Yes, I must admit that on rare occasion, in times of difficulty, I have asked God, "why so many blessings?" But, without hesitation I can say that my wife and I realize that what others see as an inconvenience, a nuisance, and an obstacle to joy and peace, we understand that our children are what gives us the greatest joy!
Now, years after my Houston experience, if anyone asks me what my claim to fame is, I would have to say, "My family!" Yes, children can cause a parent to age rapidly, as some of mine have, but I can say with clear conviction that the sacrifices a father makes for his children are well worth it, and may never be appreciated until the children become adults.
I suspect years from now my children will say, "How did dad ever do it?" I have been able to do it because I trust in God and realize the fleeting nature of time itself. I have witnessed my own father, once so full of vigor and vitality, grow old in front of my eyes. And when it is my turn to take my last breath, I believe that I will be able to say with a smile, "Lord, you gave me so many blessings. My wife and I sacrificed so much, and we got much more in return. Children really are a gift, and I thank you for the exhilarating roller coaster ride we call life itself."
Many of us don't appreciate the beauty of life until we lose our health or a loved one. For those raising children, our lives are so fast paced that we often don't take time to see what is going on around us! Listen to the words of St. Faustina, "O life so dull and monotonous, how many treasures you contain! When I look at everything with the eyes of faith, no two hours are alike, and the dullness and monotony disappear. The grace which is given me in this hour will not be repeated in the next… Time goes on, never to return again" (Diary, 62).
So, today, on this special occasion we call Father's Day, I ask all fathers to take a minute and thank God for their vocation and for the gift of family and children. We cannot look back and redo mistakes we have made, but we can pull back on the throttle of life and enjoy the beauty of today wherever we may be.
Dads, I ask you to pause for a moment, take a deep breath, give thanks to God for all the gifts he has bestowed on you, and "take time to smell the roses!" And for spouses and children, take a minute to thank God for your father!
Be a part of the discussion. Add a comment now!
maryS - Jun 19, 2009
Happy father's Day Bryan,and to all the FATHERS in the world,thank you so much for your loving care,More blessing to come,God bless.
Fr. Jan & Valerian and Br. Bart - Jun 19, 2009
Dear Dr. Bryan and family. We are greeting you and thank you for your testimony. Truly "weakness" is our key to be embraced by the merciful Father's arms. May God bless you all to give others a good example of divine life. Fr.Jan Migacz MIC & Walerian Pozniak MIC and Br. Bart Lapus and Brs James and Angelo, Marian saminarians. El Salvador, Mindanao. Philippins
deacon frank o'connell--ATWE Ministry - Jun 19, 2009
hey bryan and family,
Marvelous article..."how did dad ever do it?" My 3 grown sons have asked this about me as well. Even in this time of my life and ministry (being laid off)-- it continues to be the witness -- they know that it is Christ that fills all the void of this world with His Word and His Mercy. Keep the articles coming Bryan. Love, Deacon Frank & Bev
George - Jun 19, 2009
You are an inspriation to many fathers. You live up to a statement I once read, "A father who loves his children is a father whom the Father loves". We need more like you. You are a great stimulas that this generation needs. God bless.
Maria P. (Canada) - Jun 19, 2009
Thank you and Happy Father's Day Dr. Thatcher. May the Lord continue to shower you with many blessings full of love, peace and joy and good health with all your family. The article is beautiful.
Martin Escoto, Philippines - Jun 20, 2009
I agree with you Dr. Bryan. Our family is our inspiration and strength to do the impossible... Thank you Dr. Bryan and may your family inspire you more to bring more people closer to God, our Father! HAPPY FATHER'S DAY TO YOU, TO ALL THE FATHERS IN THE WORLD AND TO GOD OUR FATHER!
Michael C. - Jun 20, 2009
How true that is. Take time to remember how we all were when we were young. The cycle repeats. I highly recommend reading Thornton Wilder's Our Town. How we all would like to go back to any one insignificant day in our youth and really appreciate what we had in our families.
Mike and Aino - Jun 21, 2009
Happy Father's Day Bryan,
We're with our kids today north of Fairbanks, enjoying your story while we BBQ. Aino can't believe how grown up your family is, especially when I pointed out John Paul to her. God Bless you for all that you do in His Holy Name! Vivat Jesus from the North Pole!
Fr. Joe - Jun 21, 2009
Happy Father's Day Bryan! How do you do it even with God's Grace!? May God bless you and help you to continue to grow in the virtues and in His love!
Dan Lynch - Jun 21, 2009
Hi Dr. Byan, That's a mighty handsome family! I'm taking your advice and smelling my nine roses.
Patrick J. Massari - Jul 7, 2009
Bryan,
Thank you for the article---we will continue to pray, here in Maryland, for you, your wonderful family and your mission on behalf of Divine Mercy. You reminded me that being a father means sacrifice, willingly and lovingly offered, for your wife and your children. It is indeed a gift from the Good God, who never fails to grant the Grace we need, for His Grace is sufficient for all things. I miss and love my own Dad, who lives in Tampa. May your article inspire fathers everywhere, the weak and the strong---as my wise Grandmother used to say, the chairs in Heaven are still empty for the 2 perfect parents on earth. God love you. In Christ, Patrick