Fatherhood Seeds Don't Die

Final Part of the 7-part Series (7/7)

Ever heard of 4 Pics, 1 Word?

I play it every other day on my phone...

It piques my interest, as I often long to unravel

The mysteries of giving a suitable name

To four closely related pictures

Best described with one word.

Here, I see three pics, one sentence:

"Your attitude decides your future."

Such finality of words is interesting to unravel.

First, I see a father rashly scolding a six or seven-year-old.

The child looks dejected, subservient, and submissive to the rebuke.

He can’t even muster the courage to look up at the father

Reeling out his failings to him.

Maybe the rebuke was not unfounded.

Rightfully so—

The chap had just spilled his drink and made a mess on the floor.

But is this the best method of correcting the child?

What happened after this rebuke?

How was his esteem afterward?

Was he sorry for his actions?

Did he feel loved or rejected by the rebuke?

Did he understand why being messy was not permissible?

Is it okay to let children be children?

Yet love them enough to show their wrong—dismissively or forthrightly?

The second pic is that of the child displaying his result,

Homework, or assignment to his father— And he is being lashed out on.

The father is definitely not happy with the result.

The child is once again sorry and emotionally drained by the lashing out.

But he can’t retreat; he has to listen to Daddy’s wishes and "harsh" words.

He has no choice.

He longed for a, "Yes, you did your best,"

But he hears, "Your mates that got an A, do they have two heads?"

He looked forward to a warm embrace, saying, but got:

"I’m so disappointed in you for this performance..”

He expected a, "That’s my boy, you can and you will be the best. How can I support you on the journey?"

But he’s hearing:

"You’re too playful, you don’t concentrate in class, you are easily distracted, And I’ve been saying this for the umpteenth time. That’s how you spilled your drink the other time, Broke the chair, and soiled the whole living room."

Lastly, I see an old man seeking validation and encouragement

From his younger version—his protégé, his boy.

But no withdrawals are left in Junior’s bank.

The unempathetic tears he shed while growing up have toughened him up.

The constant complaints he heard about himself have given him tough skin to critics and criticisms.

The barrage of rebuke from those he loved and longed to love - Has forged him into the bearer of "I care less" platitudes.

Alas, the sternness on Daddy’s face has disappeared.

No more strength to shout and order Junior around.

Actually, no more obligation to listen from big boy Junior.

The tables have turned, thanks to time.

Now Daddy longs to be listened to.

Oh, he now looks forward to being supported and led on the right path.

But there were no seeds in this soil.

How could he expect fruits?

There was no watering of the seeds of empathy,

Understanding, relatability, support, love, and grace

In times of failing, in the nursery of the soil of Junior’s heart.

How will he expect a harvest of compassion and kindness?

When you sow good seeds and give them the right environment,

They do blossom.

When you sow wild oats, be prepared to reap their harvest too.

I remember a classic message from Jentezen Franklin, The wailing American preacher, titled: "Every Deed is a Seed."

So, I’ll add: Sow the right seeds!

Do it in anticipation of your harvest—

Not only in the reality of how things appear now,

But in how they can be and become

In the nearest or farthest tomorrow.

Happy Father's Day to every father in the world. We see the seeds you're sowing snd are grateful for the example you set for us.