The Cycle of Fatherhood

“Like as a father pitieth”—
yes, some there are who do;
so God our Father cares about
His own their whole lives through.

This is the day of child abuse;
and even more, neglect.
So many men don’t seem to know
the value of respect.

But godly fathers fill their roles
and go at God’s command;
they seek the welfare of their own
and lend a helping hand.

It all comes back in future years,
when health and strength decline;
a son who knows a loving dad
will treat him mighty fine.

fpn / June 81

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The Cycle of This Life-Span

In infancy, we cling unto
our father and our mother,
with total confidence that they
can shield from things that bother.
Along with that, we learn to trust
their judgment so completely;
what “dad says” could not be wrong;
we think (not yet discreetly).

As time goes by, we realize
that dad also is human—
not always right, sometimes quite wrong;
and we prefer our own plan.
The pendulum swings to and fro;
at times, “Dad’s simply stupid!”
What ever are things coming to?
‘Nuf cause to “flip our own lid!”

By middle twenties, we change some—
post high school, perhaps college,
we sense that “Dad has learned a lot!”
--impressed by his practical knowledge.
And it just seems, in retrospect,
at times we were mistaken;
now glad for dad’s advice and help,
as our sensibilities waken.

Then, as we carve our niche in life,
which really strains our metal,
we learn to give as well as take,
for less-than-hoped-for settle.
And in the prime of life, perchance
achieving some successes,
our aging dad may lean on us,
a stronger bond now blesses.

A grand encumbrance plays a part;
the new generation rises;
the cycle’s much the same as ours,
with good and bad surprises.
We, by this world of guile and graft,
may not be highly rated;
but hopefully, by kids and friends,
will have been appreciated!

fpn / August 98



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Parental Confession

It’s painful to admit, dear child,
this fact, most surely true,
that when you married, canceled was
our lease from God on you.

We didn’t make you—didn’t buy
components for your frame;
nor did we pour life’s blood in you
the moment that you came.

For twenty years or thereabouts,
we had the final say;
it wasn’t always right—agreed,
but God-ordained that way.

Your overall response was good;
we lived with love and trust.
We had determined, in our home,
Christ Jesus would be first.

Since you were wed, forgive us where
we’ve meddled—where we’ve failed,
and forced a choice upon you, which
you didn’t want—less hailed.

The longing to feel needed, child,
(our hearts with yours entwined),
our urge to help, at times, pushed us
beyond what God designed.

Our lack of grit and self-control
caused trauma—made you sad;
but please relive the fun days too
you shared with Mom and Dad!

fpn/87



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Granddads

Today Pastor Frank discusses the role of a grandfather. Tomorrow, how to interact as a parent with married adult children.










These granddads can be fun;
and many of them are
when they love the younger set,
and life’s not turned them sour.

Of course, they all wear down,
while getting up in years,
but some stay young in heart,
in spite of toil and tears.

They still enjoy our jokes—
even those they’ve heard before;
they tell some too, but let
us top them with “one more.”

They seem to have a knack
for fixing things that break;
and when we praise their skill,
small credit will they take.

A lot of common sense—
concern as well—they care!
Now blest we are when they
uphold us in their prayer.

They don’t just give advice;
in fact, they take it, too.
They’re careful with their words
and really think things through.

They talk about hard times;
so “save for rainy days!”
And “What you have, you share—
it comes back many ways!”

They may not be quite up
o all the modern fads;
but it’s gret to have them ‘round,
those loving old granddads!

fpn / undated



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Who Made Whom?

For the rest of the week, we will feature poems related to parenting. Join us through Father's Day for Pastor Nickel's perspective on the stages and challenges of fatherhood. 







When we were small, our parents dear
up in their arms would take us.
The general idea was that they
great noble souls would make us.

But now we learn, it works both ways
so nice, they don’t forsake us;
as we look back, it really seems,
it’s our own kids that make us.

There were those times when dad or mom
“over the coals would rake us,”
but now we know it pained them when
“to the woodshed” they would take us.

We might have thought we “knew it all;”
now know, our minds betrayed us
and humbly we must now admit,
it was our kids that made us!

fpn / undated



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