Stories of Dad
Everyone loves a good ‘Dad story’, or that should be a ‘good Dad story’. (Think of the programs you watched as a kid.) Jesus knew the power of a ‘good Dad story’ to convey what God was like as a loving father and his stories often began like this, ‘The kingdom of God is like a king who gave a wedding feast…’. His imagery was of a person who combined strength and generosity, who was wise and kind….and who would do anything to bring his children to true happiness.
We all have stories about our own fathers and grandfathers – even being absent is a story – and our children can be keen to know those stories. Some are good stories, some sad and some can be tough and challenging. Each has its place in telling your children their family history and helping them form their own identity. We have to shape and present our stories in ways that respect what our children can process well at the age they are. Start with the funny, tell the good and eventually, when they are old enough, share the challenging. Letting them know how you, or others, have faced people’s failings could be the inspiration they need.
And remember, as you live your life, as you tell your stories, you are creating the stories that your children will pass on to their children. You yourself will become a story. What character do you want to be like?
Loving Father, in the stories he told and the life he lived, Jesus showed us what type of Father you were. Inspired by him, may be the loving parent, grandparent, relative or friend that our child/ren need to grow in love. We ask this in Jesus’ name, confident that you will hear us.
Sr Kym Harris osb
