Happy Father’s Day!

By Jason D. Mills

Happy Father’s Day!

Becoming a father was one of the most transformative experiences I’ve ever had in my life. Right up there with earning my Eagle, Globe and Anchor, getting my Bachelor’s Degree, and getting married. Granted, being a dad is an ongoing experience – as my daughter is only three, but I don’t think I’ve ever experienced anything else quite like it. I am my daughter’s hero and I get to shape her entire world, this responsibility is almost unbelievable.

Every day I wake up early, get dressed and ready for work, drive more than an hour, do my job, and when I get home I have to deal with everything that grown-ups have to deal with. But, at the end of the day, after all the bills are paid and my bank account is empty, after the frustrations of the day are gone, and all of the home repairs are done, it’s all worth it; because I get to kiss boo-boos, I get big hugs, cuddles on the couch, I get to hide in blanket forts, race in the yard, play with stuffed animals, and vigilantly ward off monsters from under the bed.

Too often I see dads portrayed on T.V. as bumbling doofuses, easily outwitted by even the least cunning child. They are the butt of every joke and seen as a not-so-necessary accessory, easily discarded and far from respected. I, however, contend a different point of view:

Dads matter.

Daughters look to their fathers to see what kind of man they should expect to provide for them in marriage. They are the benchmark against which all other men will be tested. Boys watch their fathers to learn what it means to be a man, and to learn what men are supposed to be. They learn how they should treat others and how they should carry themselves.

Fathers instill a strong work ethic by going to work every day to provide for their families – even when they don’t want to. Fathers teach their children about honor, by honoring their spouse and others. They teach patience by being patient with willful children. They teach courage by willingly facing their fears. We teach our children – everything. By word and by deed, we are watched and examined. There is likely no higher task any father will be called to do.

So, be a dad. Matter in your kids lives.

3Rivers Archery would like to encourage every dad on their journey, we know you’re committed to doing things well and we know you’re committed to your family.