What makes a Father's Day happy? Do happy fathers make Happy Fathers' Days? Is it happy families that make a Happy Father's Day? I suppose it can depend on the father, and I know the well wishes of a Father's Day are very much appreciated, and go a long way to making it a happy day; but happiness cannot just be assumed. There are after all many fathers who will end up very unhappy. But why?
Some Fathers will not be happy because of their children. "A foolish son is a grief to his father..." (Proverbs 17:25). Fathers can always find reasons to be happy, but a child that acts foolishly, is lost in sin, is rebellious and/or unloving is a grief to their Father's heart. Perhaps Fathers bear the pain for a lack of instructing and disciplining their children as they should (Ephesians 6:4; Proverbs 22:6). However, sometimes even when a Father does the best that he can, a child still chooses the path of sin. No matter what presents a Father gets, the gift of good and godly children brings the brightest of smiles.
Some Fathers will not be happy because of their wives. "A foolish son is destruction to his father, and the contentions of a wife are like a constant dripping" (Proverbs 19:13). Sure there are distractions like sports, or music, or napping that may bring a smile to Dad's face, but knowing every day is a struggle for happiness in the marriage that is a fountain of strife. Perhaps he is to blame. Possibly he does not provide for his own as he should (I Timothy 5:8), perhaps he is lazy (II Thessalonians 3:10), perhaps he himself is unloving towards his wife and she merely reciprocates (Ephesians 5:28), and so he reaps what he sows. However, sometimes even when a husband does the best that he can, his wife still will find a bone of contention. No matter what presents a Father gets in recognition of his role, there are few gifts that outweigh the daily appreciation and respect he receives from his wife.
Some Fathers will not be happy because of themselves. "A joyful hearts make a cheerful face, but when the heart is sad, the spirit is broken" (Proverbs 15:13). Forget about not becoming that professional basketball player you always dreamed of, or owning that business you aspired to. Those failed dreams may be a disappointment for whatever reason; but not cause for sadness. Many Fathers may "put on a cheerful face" in the crowd, but inwardly their hearts are rotting in the guilt of sin (Psalm 32:3). If this is the case then we should know there is no greater gift than the grace and sacrifice of Jesus Christ (Revelation 1:5; John 3:16). There is no greater gift we can give ourselves than obedience to His gospel for the salvation of our souls (II Thessalonians 1:7-9).
If we have that gift, then it truly is a Happy Father's Day. Our Father in heaven rejoices in our repentance (Luke 15:7). He rejoices in our faithfulness (Isaiah 62:5). He rejoices in His sons (we as God's children) giving the precious gift of faithful love, honor, and service that He is worthy of (Mark 12:30). So what makes Father's Day a happy day? Love. Children's love, a wife's love, a Father's love for his own soul, God's love... in a word... love.
- Grace Gazette, Texas City, TX, 6/21/09