26 Ways to Bless Your Dad

Father’s Day gives families the time to thank dads for the many ways they meet our needs. While we can show that appreciation more than one time a year, let us take time to count the many blessings we enjoy because of our husband, and show him blessings in return.

I’ve saved and used this wonderful list from Partnership Magazine for years. I hope that the alphabet of blessings that follows gives you some great ideas for Father’s Day and throughout the year:

Amorous words are not outdated. Write your hus­band a poem, sing him a song, buy him a roman­tic card. Honor his efforts as a father with your words.

Bake his favorite dessert and let him enjoy the leftovers all for himself.

Compliment him – on his looks, his dedication to the Lord, his way with your children.

Drive the next time the two of you go somewhere, and let him relax and enjoy the scenery.

Enumerate his fine qualities, using this modified line of Elizabeth Barrett Browning’s: “Why do I love thee? Let me count the whys.” Tape the list to his mirror.

Fish, golf, hunt, swim with him – or at least read up on his hobby and give him time to enjoy it.

Give him the gift of time: do a job that is usually his.

Hide encouraging scripture verses or personal notes in his coat pocket, his wallet, his sock drawer, or on the pulpit.

Indulge him with the luxury of breakfast in bed – served on a decorated tray.

Join him for a day at his work – in his office, class­room, parishioner visitation.

Kiss him goodbye when he leaves for work. It’s easy to get out of the habit in the rush of life.

Learn more about him. Do you know his favorite childhood memory? The best Christmas present he ever received? His favorite music? The time he was the most afraid?

Meet him for lunch. Use coupons if you’re on a tight budget. Or pack a sack lunch to share.

New photos of the two of you can make the ordi­nary a day to remember. So get out the camera and frame the results.

Old, cherished wedding pictures can help you remember when your love was new.

Prepare his favorite meal.

Quips and cartoons can lighten his day. Cut them out and give them to him on a day he needs a lift.

Read a book together. Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “It is a tie between men to have read the same book.”

Smile when you see him.

Thank him for the routine things you tend to expect him to do.

Uphold him in prayer.

Valentines aren’t just for February. Give him a little gift – a pen, a magazine he likes, a favorite candy bar – along with a love note.

Wash and wax his car.

Xercise to keep yourself looking good.

Yes, let’s do it! Make that your answer when he suggests things to do – a walk, watching a game, taking a day trip, whatever.

Zzzzz. Let him take a long, undisturbed nap while you entertain the children elsewhere.

RESPOND:

God, let me be a great treasure to my husband, family, and You. Keep my ways godly, and help me in small and big ways honor my husband’s service to our family. Amen.

RENEWING RESOURCES:

A Dad After God’s Own Heart by Jim George—in this great resource, learn the basics for how to be a good dad with your kids, including...

• letting your kids know you love and care for them
• learning the keys to positive and effective communication
• knowing the qualities kids need most in a dad

Art Prints — Check out these art prints, designed to encourage you to be a dad after God’s own heart!

REFLECT:

How often do I encourage our children to find ways to thank their dad?

REMEMBER:

Count the many blessings you enjoy because of your husband.