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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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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On Loan From God

Alternate Title: "Earth's Family Cycle"

We take our infants in our arms.
No sacrifice, just joy!
And soon they take steps of their own –
our precious girls and boys.

They trust us so, and we in turn
don’t want to let them down
but we will fail, and they must learn
that God is God alone.

Reminded they’re just lent to us,
both for our joy and trust
and if we’d help them reach their goals,
show trust and hope we must.

Then comes the time to take hands off,
but heart-strings still hold fast;
and God keeps working, till one day
we’re satisfied at last.

They find their niche in this wide world
by grace of God above,
and that is what it’s all about:
when they express God’s love.

fpn 12/80

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