Today we celebrate Father’s Day, we do so by honoring dads and challenging them to greater things, unlike what we do on Mother’s Day when we just praise moms for all that they do.

My dad was a lot like many of your dads, he wasn’t perfect, he did not always get everything right, but he was my dad, and I miss him immensely.

But what are dads, what should dads be like? This week I read some analogies of what a dad should be like.

They should be like a deep-rooted oak that provides shade and shelter, a father should offer stability, protection, and a strong foundation for his family.

They should be like a lighthouse that guides ships safely through stormy seas and warns of dangers.

They should be like a compass, helping you find your true north, or a map, showing you different paths and helping you find your way when you're lost.

A dad should be like a sculptor that helps mold and shape his children into their best selves, or a gardener who tends to his plants nurturing his children, providing a right environment for growth.

He should be like a shield, offering protection for his children and family, a strong anchor keeping the family steady and grounded.

They should be like a priest, lifting his family in prayer, teaching them the Word of God.

These are certainly lofty ideas, when dads are just men who are often dealing with their own battles, trying to find their way in life. Maybe they did not have the analogies to guide them, or the encouragement to be the best dads. We as children must forgive them for their imperfections and maybe worse. But it is my hope that you have some great memories of your dad, or today you will be able to call your dad or visit him saying, “I thank God for you dad”!