Ministries:
Adult | Teens | Children

Pastor's Pen's:
2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001

Sermon Series:
Following Jesus
Earthly Cross
His Name Is
Apostles Creed
Dealing with Feelings
Jonah
Get Real
Promised Land Living

Grace Church
257 Kendall Street
Burlington, WI 53105

(262) 763-3021

Email:
Pastor Scott Carson

Secretary Patti Hall

PASTOR'S PENS 2005

Grace Church of Burlington June 19, 2005 Father’s Day is just like Mother’s Day, only you don’t spend as much on the gift.”             The Bible says that it is privilege and blessing to have children. The Psalmist wrote, “Sons are a heritage from the LORD, children a reward from Him” (Psalm 127:3).             Today is the 95th Father's Day since the celebration first began in 1910. In some ways, the fathers of 1910 didn't have it as good as the fathers of today. Then again, there were a few advantages.             For example, in 1910, fathers prayed their children would learn English. Today, fathers pray their children will speak English. In 1910, a father's horsepower meant his horses. Today, it's the size of his minivan. In 1910, if a father put a roof over his family's head, he was considered a big success. Today, it's a roof, deck, pool and four-car garage. In 1910, fathers came to their teenage sons and said, "Let's talk about the birds and the bees." Today, teenage sons come to their fathers and say, "Dad, this girl at school is stalking me” and they’re only in 6th grade. In 1910, a father waited for the doctor to tell him when the baby arrived. Today, a father must wear a smock, know how to breathe and make sure batteries are in the digital camera. In 1910, fathers passed on clothing to their sons. Today, kids wouldn't touch Dad's clothes if they were sliding naked down an icicle. In 1910, fathers could count on children to join the family business. Today, fathers pray their kids come home from college to teach them how to work the computer. In 1910, fathers pined for the old country, like Poland, Ireland and Italy. Today, fathers pine for the old country, like Johnny Cash. In 1910, a father smoked a pipe. If he tries that today, he gets a lecture on lip cancer.             In 1910, fathers shook their children lightly and whispered, "Wake up, it's time for school." Today, kids shake their fathers at 4 a.m. and say, "Wake up, it's time for hockey practice." In 1910, a father came home from work to find his wife and children at the supper table. Today, a father comes home to a note: "Jimmy's at baseball/Cindy's at gymnastics/I'm at adult-ed/pizza in fridge." In 1910, fathers and sons would have heart-to-heart conversations while fishing in a stream. Today, fathers pluck the headphones off their sons' ears and shout, "WHEN YOU HAVE A MINUTE . . ." In 1910, a father gave a pencil box for Christmas, and the kid was all smiles. Today, a father spends $800 at Toys 'R' Us, and the  kid's first reaction is:   "I wanted Sega!” In 1910, if a father had breakfast in bed, it was eggs and bacon and ham and potatoes.  Today, it's Special K, soy milk, dry toast and a lecture on cholesterol. In 1910, no one ever compared a father to a movie star because there were no movies and there were no stars. Today, kids turn to their father and say, "How come you're not as cool as Ozzy Osbourne?” In 1910, a Father's Day gift would be a hand tool. Today, he'll get a digital organizer. In 1910, fathers said, "A man's home is his castle." Today, they say, "Welcome to the money pit."  In 1910, fathers couldn't wait to stop swinging their axes. Today, they can't wait to start swinging their clubs. In 1910, "a good day at the market" meant Father brought home feed for the horses. Today, "a good day at the market" means Dad got in early on an IPO. In 1910, a happy meal was when Father shared funny stories around the table. Today, a happy meal is what Dad buys at McDonald's. In 1910, a father was involved if he spanked the kid now and then. Today, a father's not involved unless he coaches Little League and organizes Boy Scouts and car pools. In 1910, when fathers entered the room, children often rose to attention. Today, kids glance up and grunt, "Dad, you're invading my space." In 1910, fathers chose their daughters' suitors, and threatened them with shotguns if the girl came home late. Today, fathers break the ice by saying, "So ...how long you had that earring?" In 1910, fathers pined for the old school, which meant a one-room, red-brick building. Today, fathers pine for the old school, which means Dr. J.           In 1910, fathers were never truly appreciated. In 2005, little has changed. So Happy Father's Day, dads. By the way, the dog needs to go out and we need a gallon of milk from the store.