Give Dad the best gift of all

We have such a mixed picture of what a father is ... and what a father should be. On one hand, we think of dads as light-hearted and fun-loving, ready to tickle and tease their kids at a moment's notice.

On the other hand, we think of our fathers as stern disciplinarians, ready to lay down the law -- and enforce it -- when youngsters get out of line.

The truth is, dads are both of these things ... and much, much more.

Altogether in the U.S., the Census Bureau tells us there are 66.3 million fathers. Worldwide, the total number of fathers swells into the billions.

But, of course, it is not the number that counts. It's the quality. In this respect, we are blessed in this area of the United States. So many days ... in so many ways ... we see dads interacting with their children. Fathers and their sons and daughters walk together, work together, watch together and worship together.

And our Dads are so proud. Whenever their kids participate in any kind of activity -- whether it be sports, or music, or church plays -- more often than not Dad's there right along with Mom.

Maybe that's because, out here in rural America, we have more time and can get to our kids' activities on shorter notice. But, very possibly, there's more to it than that. Since we're not hassled by big city problems, it could be we are better able to focus on each other -- which, in the final analysis, is the most treasured part of life.

As lucky as we are to have fathers who love us and care for us, we don't tell them often enough how much we appreciate all they do for us.

More than a century ago, the writer Wilhelm Busch (1832-1908) pointed out that it is not difficult to become a father. But, then, he added: "To be a father is, however."

While Father's Day has been celebrated in the United States since 1910, it was not until 1972 that then President Richard Nixon signed the Father's Day resolution in law.

We don't tell our fathers thanks nearly enough. Our dads do so much for us that we don't even stop to think about it. But, this weekend, let's change that. Let's give 'ol Dad a hug or a kiss. Then, let's look him straight in the eye, and say, "Dad, you're the greatest!"

He'll probably be embarrassed, and try to shrug off your compliment. But, in his heart of hearts, your words will be the best gift he could ever receive.