Why is Father’s Day so nuanced?

Father’s Day is a time where we celebrate the impact that father’s and father figures

have had on our lives. This day is filled with celebrations in churches, restaurants,

homes, and even parks. Gifts are given, food is eaten, and cards are extended to those

men who have the privilege of being called fathers. Yet during wonderful celebrations,

there are also those who have strained relationships with their father’s, those who

desire to be father’s and that hasn’t happened yet, and those whose father’s have

transitioned. This day is nuanced because,

Father’s Day provides both and moments for many.

On Sunday, many people will stand in between multiple realities. The realities of

celebration, reflection, and for some grief. It is cool to see the commercials for gifts, and

the smiles on the faces of many sons and daughters. But we shouldn’t overlook that this

day also houses big emotions that can overwhelm many of us. We can easily find

ourselves happy and reflective; joyful and grieving; excited and concerned about others.

It is more than a day of celebration, but it is a moment in time where we hold in our

hearts the nuanced emotions that many who surround us may be feeling.

Father’s Day is a day to provide empathy.

Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of another. Mother Teresa

once said, “If you judge people, you have no time to love them.” Father’s Day is not a

day to compare to Mother’s Day. It’s not a day, for judging or hatred, but this day is a

time for empathy. Father’s sacrifice, love differently, and protect many. Fathers provide

for others and often suffer in silence. Sunday is a time to empathize on the respective

journeys of many fathers. This is a time to reflect and recognize that fatherhood shows

up differently in various contexts. And with many differences it is an opportunity to

exhibit empathy.

Father’s Day is important.

William Shakespeare suggests, “It is a wise father that knows his own child.” Father’s

Day is important because it gives many fathers a day to smile, and to feel celebrated.

This day gives others a day to reflect, grieve, or acknowledge the life of their father. This

day is important because it helps us all to reflect on the life we are living. It helps us to

make sure that we are not wasting our days and to remember what Psalm 90:12 says,

Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. Each day is

important! Father’s Day is important. So whether you celebrate, reflect, grieve,

empathize or all four do your best to model God’s love to a Father on this special day.