Religion: A Pastor Ponders

Father’s Day, ‘05

by Pastor William Jenkins

Submitted for June 17, 2005

Charlie Shedd relates an interesting experience on board a plane.

In the seat next to him sat a well-dressed young man. He was totally absorbed in a magazine article on the drug problem among teenagers.

There were pictures in the article graphically depicting what drugs can do to people. When he finished reading the article, the young man closed the magazine and stared at the back of the seat in front of him.

Forgetting those around him, he half spoke, half whispered what seemed a prayer, “Oh, God, I wonder why! I suppose nobody knows.” He paused, then added, “But if a father can make a difference, I sure want to make the difference!”

Dr. Shedd was impressed by this young man’s concern about his role as a father. He opened up a conversation with him and learned he was a top-notch salesman for a well-known company.

Even though he was successful in his work, that was not his top priority. His top priority was to be an effective father…a father who makes a difference.

Martin Buxbaum defines success as a father in the following lines:

You can use most any measure when you’re speaking of success. You can measure it in fancy home, expensive car or dress. But the measure of your real success is the one you cannot spend. It’s the way your kids describe you when they’re talking to a friend.

Father’s are roll models for their children, period. There is no choice in this. The choice is in what kind of roll model they will be.

Ponder this. Have a happy Father’s Day and enjoy the tie.

Posted on July 13, 2005

League City United Methodist Church is located at 1411 Main Street (FM 518), one block east of Interstate 45. For information, call the church offices at 281-332-1557 or visit the website at

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