Happy Father’s Day to All the Unsung Heroes

In my latest book, “The Good Dad,” I spent a lot of time and pages on the importance of dads simply “being there” for their kids.

“Our kids aren’t asking for perfection,” I wrote. “They’re asking for our presence – to show up for the job each and every day. They’re asking us to be there for them, to guide them, to hug them.”

When we’re there with them, accompanying them in the trenches of everyday life, we’re able to serve as a guiding influence over our children. We can impart our wisdom, share our love and make a big difference by helping them in a million little ways.

Many men are “stepping up”

On Father’s Day men are used to hearing messages encouraging them to “step up” or “man up.” That’s a good thing and a needed message in today’s culture.

But I also know there are plenty of good guys doing the right thing out there. They’re strapping babies into car seats and checking in on that toddler who’s a little too quiet. They’re fixing the leaky toilets, helping with the dishes and going to work every day so they can provide for their families.

Sadly, these men sometimes get lost in the mix and don’t get the recognition and encouragement they deserve.

So on the eve of Father’s Day weekend I want to tell you this: thank you for what you’re doing to benefit your family. What you do matters, so stay the course. More than ever, our culture needs you – and God sees what you do.

I’ll leave you with a heartwarming ad by Dove Men + Care, “Calls for Dad,” that praises fathers for being there for their kids, and shows the positive impact only a dad can have on his kids.