Father’s values are family values

Somebody once said, “Father’s Day was both a joy and a worry as my kids were growing up. I was always afraid they were going to give me a present that I couldn’t afford.”

What’s the definition of a dad? What are the characteristics of a father? Here’s an old material somebody posted in the net, and I’d like to share this with you:

BECAUSE I’M A DAD…

• I must hold the television remote control in my hand while I watch TV. If the thing has been misplaced, I’ll miss a whole show looking for it, though one time I was able to survive by holding a calculator.

• When I lock my keys in the car, I will fiddle with a wire clothes hanger and ignore your suggestions that we call road service until long after hypothermia has set in. Oh, and when the car isn’t running very well, I will pop the hood and stare at the engine as if I know what I’m looking at. If another guy shows up, one of us will say to the other, “I used to be able to fix these things, but now, with all these computers and everything, I wouldn’t know where to start.”

• When I catch a cold, I need someone to bring me soup and take care of me while I lie in bed and moan. You never get as sick as I do, so for you this isn’t an issue.

• I can be relied upon to purchase basic groceries at the store, like milk or bread. I can’t be expected to find exotic items like “cumin” or “tofu”. For all I know, these are the same thing. And never, under any circumstances, expect me to pick up a copy of Cosmo or Better Homes & Gardens.

• When one of our appliances stops working, I will insist on taking it apart, despite evidence that this will just cost me twice as much once the repair person gets here and has to put it back together.

• I don’t think we’re all that lost, and no, I don’t think we should stop and ask someone. Why would you listen to a complete stranger – how could HE know where we’re going?

• You don’t have to ask me if I liked the movie. Chances are, if you’re crying at the end of it, I didn’t.

• I think what you’re wearing is fine. I thought what you were wearing five minutes ago was fine, too. Either pair of shoes is fine. With the belt or without it looks fine. Your hair is fine. You look fine. Can we just go now?

If you see, hear and observe a person do the things mentioned, then you can be sure he’s a dad.

Fathers should exercise their spiritual and moral leadership in the home in order to raise families that would help build positive communities.

This year, Jollibee is celebrating their 35th anniversary, and part of their celebrations is launching their Third Jollibee Family Values Awards. I’ve been blessed with the honor of joining the board of judges in selecting five exemplary families nationwide that embody cherished Filipino values and serve as an inspiration to others through their good deeds. It’s admirable for a company like this to use its resources to emphasize the important role of families in building up the community. The search will also be open to OFW families across the globe via the Jollibee-Coca-Cola Global Pinoy Family of the Year Award. This is a good thing, and I’m so privileged to be a part of the search.

The role of the father in the family is central and crucial. Thank God for fathers who not only gave us life but also taught us how to live.

Happy Father’s Day!

(Spend two whole days with Francis Kong as he facilitates the well-acclaimed Dr. John C. Maxwell Program “Developing The Leader Within You” on June 18-19 at the EDSA Shangri-La Hotel. For further inquiries, contact Inspire at 09158055910, or call 632-6310912 for details.)