The Spirit of Fathers Day

Some time ago I received a gift from both of my children. It was spontaneous and had nothing to do with Father's day. Yet, at the same time it had everything to do with Father's day.

My son, Kai, - he was 17 at the time - was attending a private boarding high school in Colorado. While we were talking on the phone he shared some wonderful news with me.

Kai said, "You know Dad, I am really happy with my life. I can't think of a thing that I would change about the way that I grew up, or the way that my life is now."

My daughter Sabari, - also 17 at the time ...yes, twins! - , who was living with her mother in Northern California, said almost the same thing to me just a few days later.

Of course, I was delighted to hear this from both of them. What parent wouldn't revel in the good spirits of their children. And I told them both how happy I was, not only that they were happy, but that they expressed it to me. The heartfelt communication that we shared is as dear to me as the news itself.

And that, I reflected, was the gift that they were giving me. The gift of heartfelt, open, communication. Certainly I hope for good news when I hear from them. But mostly I love that they will share their real feelings with me. Happy or sad, I love to be touched by their innermost thoughts and feelings. That is how I can really share in their lives.

The spontaneous sharing of my children reminded me of our relationship with Spirit. Our open, honest, heartfelt innermost thoughts and feelings flowing towards our Creator, good news or bad, is at the foundation of our ability to have a real conscious relationship with God.

Many people think that God is present only at a distance. Some think that if God is any way knowable, that knowledge can only come after death. But the saints of all religions have proclaimed that God is knowable here and now if we will just take the time to communicate with Him/Her.

Unfortunately many religious traditions have lost touch with this most essential truth. It isn't satisfying to the soul to just read or talk about our connection with Spirit. We yearn to actually experience the reality of our relationship with God.

As an earthly father and a child of my Infinite Father I offer this Father's Day gift to you. A simple reminder that God is real and present in your life. Consciously enter into your relationship with Spirit by inwardly having a conversation with Him/Her during the day. Let God be your inner companion and friend. Let this communication be natural and heartfelt. You don't have to make deep pronouncements to God - unless you really want to. Experiment with the type of exchange that feels most comfortable to you. The only really essential part of this is that it must be sincere. Even sincere doubt is better than insincere praise.

The highest form of communication is that which bridges the gap between those communicating - creating oneness. It is this experience of oneness that we long for with our loved ones and with God. When we can perfect our inner communication with Spirit we will consciously realize our oneness with all life - everywhere. This won't be an abstract concept but an actual experience.

For a child, Father's day isn't really about giving Dad a gift. It is about recognizing the gift of caring that fathers express when they help put food on the table, teach their child to ride a bike, cheer at a soccer game, smile at a graduation, give their daughter's hand in marriage, giggle with a grandchild, and most importantly, act as a channel for God's love to flow through them into the lives of their children.

For a father, Father's day isn't so much about taking the accolades of a job well done (even though they may be well deserved!), but about giving thanks for the opportunity to give. And remember, the greatest gift that we give our children is the actual expression of our love. It isn't enough to feel love for them inside ourselves: we need to express that love. Take a moment each day and give your child the kind of hug that can leave no doubt that you really treasure their presence in your life.

Of course, the greatest Dad of all is the father of all life. So let's take some time this Father's day to remember our Heavenly Father. Let's share our innermost hopes, dreams, challenges, temporary setbacks, and victories. And once we have had our say, let's listen carefully: For God, the Father of us all, may have a gift in store for us, the gift of awareness of His Infinite Loving Presence in our lives.

About The Author

Lawrence Vijay Girard is the author of Way of the Positive Flow and Positive Flow Parenting. As well as, his popular children's book, The Adventures of Harry Fruitgarden. You can find his books at: http://FruitgardenPublishing.Com; LawrenceGirard@FruitgardenPublishing.Com

---

Celebrate Parks Day, Everyday this Summer!

Canada's Parks Day falls on July 16'th this year. First... Read More

Funny Couples Costume Ideas For Halloween

Tired of the same old typical Halloween costumes. You know... Read More

Easter Traditions: Seven Ways To Add Meaning To Your Family Celebration

Family traditions connect us to past and future generations. They... Read More

Fathers Day and Flowers

Father's Day is about to be celebrated in Australia. The... Read More

Create Warm Memories with Holiday Traditions

I remember just a handful of the Christmas presents I... Read More

Outdoor Halloween Decorations

Few things are more thrilling for a trick-or-treater than walking... Read More

Simplify the Season

Let's take a look at a typical Christmas To-Do list:... Read More

Is Buying a Gift for Mom as Difficult for You as it is for Me?

I have walked through a countless number of stores searching... Read More

Tribute to Dad

Father's Day should not be the only day that we... Read More

Virtual Assistants... Even Santa Needs One!

Trying to fit all the planning and preparing and celebrating... Read More

Dont Want Another Carpet Sweeper This Year For Christmas?

Unique "Drop-A-Hint" Plan Sends Your Gift Wishes Via E-mailSure, they... Read More

Keepsake Christmas Album

Do you hate throwing your Christmas cards away every year... Read More

Glorious Holiday Decorating: Ten Tips

If you're looking for ways to decorate your home in... Read More

A Diamond Christmas 2004!

When Archduke Maximillian of Austria bestowed a diamond ring on... Read More

How to Overcome the Overwhelm of the Holiday Season (And Reduce Holiday Stress)

The Holiday Season can be a wonderful time of year,... Read More

Planning a Gift Closet

Creating a gift closet is a wonderful way to plan... Read More

Fourth of July Quotes

MADRID ? For millions of Americans, this Fourth of July... Read More

Ill Be Home For Christmas

Direct Answers - Column for the week of November 29,... Read More

Single During the Holidays

Mistletoe. Holiday parties. New Years kiss at midnight. This time... Read More

Dont Forget Grandmom - Shes an Earth Angel Too!

Have you ever thought what you would do without your... Read More

Wolves, Goats, Martyrs and War: a History of Valentines Day

Valentines Day is one of the most enigmatic of holidays,... Read More

Making the Holidays More Meaningful

Have the holidays become too commercial for you? Are you... Read More

A Simple Little Holiday Plan

The Thanksgiving leftovers have all been eaten and the gift-buying... Read More

Celebrating the ME in MumME

Another Mother's Day is upon us. A day in which... Read More

Kid Birthday Party Game Ideas - 7 Proven Winners

Here are 7 classic kid birthday party game ideas that... Read More

How to Create an Irresistible Valentine?s Day Centerpiece

Valentine's Day is just around the corner which of course... Read More

Holiday Gift Ideas For Antique Lovers

1. Knowledge is Power. Whatever the area of collecting ?... Read More

Top Ten Things To Do The Day After Valentines Day

Why should February 14th get all of the attention?1. Water... Read More

Fourth of July Safety

Of all the holidays throughout the year, the Fourth of... Read More

Tropical Christmas

I can recall from my days in England, watching television... Read More

Sweet 16th Birthday Party Ideas

Is there any party more delightful than sweet 16? If... Read More

Home For The Holidays: Heirloom Stories Are A Perfect Gift

Selecting the right gift for a special someone is sometimes... Read More

Mothers Day, Do You Know What Youre Giving The Woman Who Gave You Life?

Mother's Day, Do you know what you're giving the woman... Read More