A Father’s Day Tribute – Two Weeks Early

Welcome to “Athlos” a weekly blog which examines pillars of personal excellence and regularly brings together the worlds of Christian spirituality and sport.

Learning from Dad

“My son, keep your father’s commands and do not forsake your mother’s teaching.”-Proverbs 6:20

Love for Dad

You would forgive me for being two weeks early with this Father’s Day tribute. My father, Stanley, has once again displayed his mindboggling resilience. At 82 years of age, there are predictable health challenges that come with being in your ninth decade of life. Dad has faced many and he continues to battle with amazing inner fortitude.

My brother, Kriss, has been outstanding in his devotion to seeing Dad do well during his physical struggles. Like any set of siblings, Kriss and I don’t always see eye-to-eye but there’s a unity that we feel as we seek to enjoy as much time as we can with our father.

I couldn’t help myself, then, when I considered what to write about this week. I simply wanted to say “Thanks” two weeks early, not only to Stanley and Kriss Marcus but to all the fathers, biological and otherwise, who love, serve, lead and mentor others in myriad ways. You are appreciated.

Some of you here, to whom I am privileged to write each week, may have lost your dads or have had a strained or distant relationship with your own fathers. I pray that our Heavenly Father, the best Father there is, will show you His grace, comfort and peace during a season that could be quite difficult.

Now more than ever, the fact that life is a gift rings true with even greater clarity and volume. Keep fighting on, “Daddy Marcus”, as my wife Michelle affectionately calls him. We also keep in prayer, Gordon Laurence, father of well-respected sports journalist, Kwame Laurence, and other parents who are dealing with illness.

Many good men are out there. Let’s remember them with gratitude.

Love from Dad

A father’s love is often one of the world’s most valuable yet hidden treasures.

If you were inspired by this blog, please consider sharing it with one other person today. To learn more about these and other related themes that promote the cultivation of an integrated inner self, read UNBEATABLE! which is available on Amazon in print and as an e-book.