“The Shelter of the Father” by Kent Nerburn

Father’s Day is quickly approaching on the heels of Mother’s Day. Too often, Dad’s Day becomes just another Hallmark holiday, ya know, the one where we just send him a card and give him a quick telephone call. It’s easy to forget how important our Fathers are to us, whether they be fully present in our lives or not. This piece by Kent Nerburn is an inspiring call to remember the purpose of fatherhood is to give children wings to take off from their mother’s nest. Doesn’t Dad deserve a relaxing escape from the hustle and bustle of modern life too?

Fatherhood is about empowerment and guidance. It is about becoming the protective sky under which your son or daughter walks, while motherhood is about becoming the soft earth that receives their footsteps. Each has its role, and neither can replace the other.