The Blessing of Being A Father
Sunday, March 1st, 2009 by JeffToday we had the funeral for my (Jeff’s) Grandpa Stan Olson. As we remember him, I found this old testimony that he gave back in 1971 (just a few months after I was born).
The Blessing of Being A Father
Given at First Free Church Minneapolis by Stan Olson, on Father’s Day, 6/20/71
It is a high privilege to be a father - much higher than I dreamed as we eagerly awaited the arrival of our first child. It, of course, has been and awesome responsibility, too - greater than anticipated. Today I thank God for the high honor of being a father.
Let me in capsule form recall privileges and blessings that never would have been mine except as a human father.
Myrt and I prayed for each child and continue to pray as they are adults (now we include wonderful daughters-in-law and a son-in-law) that, most important in their lives, will be a constant commitment to Christ - true we prayed for health and understanding, but never did we ask for wealth, position, intelligence or power.
I recall carrying that first son into the house - and felt him move - and still recall the thrill to realize - this is my son!
As the children came and grew, only as a father could I enjoy the smiles, share the tears and pray for them as they struggled with life’s choices and important decisions - most of which had to be made alone with God, without the direct assistance of a human father.
It was through our children’s eyes and insights that the special beauties of nature were discovered - the beauty of the lakes, the majesty of the snow-capped mountains, the thrill of dashing over waves, the excitement of strange animals seen on a mountain trail, the anticipation of reaching the snow level on the mountain hike, the amazement of the beautiful flowers poking their stems through the melting snow - yes these and hundreds more.
We always tried to be aware that our Heavenly Father had created all this and more for us to enjoy, not destroy. We often talked of God’s abundance - for example on a mountain trail in Glacier Park, we counted over a dozen varieties of flowers and plants that grew throughout the summer in inaccessible places - those God alone could enjoy.
It has also been my privilege (though it did not seem so at the time) to feel the deep sting in my heart and to feel the warm tears flow down my cheeks as we bid farewell to a son and son-in-law as they went into the service - to share concern and learn to commit them daily to our God and Savior. Further, in our case, we were more fortunate than some — our boys came home - and as parents we could share in the tremendous excitement and joy of their safe return.
I believe now that as a human father I understand better my God as Father - His love, concern, compassion, justice, kindness, forgiveness, patience and faithfulness. As my Heavenly Father continues to pour these blessings on me, I want to be faithful in expressing these to my own children and grandchildren, and also yours - for we are in the household of faith together.
Thank you Father for permitting me, in spite of all my frailty, to be a father. Amen