Much has been said over the past several years about missing fathers. Multitudes of articles have been written about the social ills that have resulted from deadbeat dads. It seems as though dads have received a bad rap. This past Sunday, Americans celebrated “Father’s Day.” Of course, there were many more long distance phone calls on Mother’s Day than Father’s Day, and restaurants took in a ton more money when moms were given a day off.

So, what’s happened to Father’s Day? Or maybe, we should ask, what’s happened to Fathers? We know about the dead beat dads, but what about those faithful men who have given up so much for their families? Let’s give respect where respect is due. There’s a lot of men out there who have attempted to be the kind of dad to their children that would enable their kids to grow and become mature, Christ like individuals. This article says, “God bless faithful dads. Thanks for your contribution to your family and to our society.”

Faithful dads are certainly under reported. Let me mention a few faithful pops to you. I know one dad who gave up a season of watching the San Antonio Spurs so that he could spend more time with his kids. Hey, you’ll only understand that sacrifice if you live in or around San Antonio. Just trust me. It’s huge.

I know another father who has been very successful financially. He’s trying to educate his kids to the needs of the poor. He doesn’t want them to grow up thinking that all kids have the idealistic lifestyle that they possess. He wants to bring on a mission trip and introduce them to the needs of the world.

I know a granddad who has a quiver full of grandkids. Each time one of them turns 10 years old, he brings them on a mission trip with him. He wants to invest in their lives and give them a world vision.

I know a dad who changed jobs because he wanted more time with his kids while they were still young. He wants to give them the best gift – time with him.

Oh, I know. Not every dad is like these dads. These kinds of dads certainly don’t get the press. They don’t do it to be seen of men, but they invest in their kids for one simple reason - they love them. Their reward brings much more satisfaction than a name in the newspaper. These are true grit kind of men. They are the men that have stepped up to the plate and been men of God, men who love their families. If you have one in your family, why don’t you tell him how much you appreciate him? Father’s Day is gone, but if your father is still at home, loving and giving himself to his family, just say, “Thank you.” Believe me. He will appreciate it.