The Roll of Fathers
by Michael Doyle

Like a law of nature, it's a natural fact
That the roll of all fathers has its impact.
In response and call, ever since the fall,
Fundamentally, God is the father of us all.

Since the Fall, imperfection has been all around,
And no perfect relationship has been found.
It is in how we learn to carry grace
That the best relationships can lovingly embrace.

Father's Day is the day that a lot of take annually
To stop and think about what it is to be in God's family.
Even the Fatherless can take comfort in His loving correction
And work out how to move their lives in the right direction.

The empty road pushes on, forever, seeming to endlessly go on.
We do our best, taking our best aim until all of life is gone.
But if we take some moments to listen to that prayed-to voice,
We can hear its rebuke just enough to make the better choice.

So it is with our earthly Father if we take a moment to lean
In to hear the best advice he has based on what he has seen. 
As a sacred child, we have every blessing and every opportunity
To enjoy the love given by him for the sake of your security.

Father above, and Father on earth, each chooses to be present
And given their all to the children, as if an endless present. 
A good father's discipline allows his children to make mistakes
And own these mistakes while helping them through the heartaches.

A good father has an open mind and a heart for appreciation.
To his children, he gives his sincerest dedication.
He leads through example and gives time considered quality.
This is the loyalty given in an earthly and godly family. 

In challenges lived through, there are lessons taught to learn.
Each of these helps a child grow stronger and teaches to discern.
Love is given unconditionally and with a father's protection.
Each correction given is simply to point out the right direction.

Life isn't perfect and parenting often has its skill issues.
It seems there are times of guilt and many tissues.
We're not alone in this as the Bible is filled with mistakes
And God knows and knows of all of humanity's many heartbreaks.

Life is filled with happenstance that never seems to get a chance
As it fills itself with mundane details and forgets about romance.
Each day gives us fathers another try to listen and maybe learn
About those things left for us to discern.

We need to let our children know they are loved just as they are
To hope for their dreams and be allowed to go far.
But the best that we can do is do our level best 
And accept that we have when we are laid to rest.

It's easier to become a father than to ever be one.
I take my best example from our Father and His Son,
And I hope against hope that when my time is done,
Maybe my daughters will find I imperfectly was one.

(c) June 15, 2025   Michael Doyle
All Rights Reserved