Father

Although we know that Joseph was the earthly father of Jesus, and raised him in his home as his own son, we do not really know much about the carpenter or his life.  It was inevitable that Jesus would be formed and trained in the way that Joseph wanted him to go, because men were the head of the household, and the father was in charge of his family.  His role in the life of Jesus is cloudy and hard to discern, probably because Jesus remained focused on his father in heaven.  But we know he accepted his pregnant betrothed bride and agreed to raise her child as his own.  And Jesus was called the Carpenter in his own time, so he must have spent many hours learning his trade at the feet of his father.

Fathers have so much influence on their children, whether they are present or not.  Their place in our lives informs our view of men, of husbands and of fathers going into adulthood, and their presence or absence impacts our decisions and how we live.

Fathers aren't necessarily born to the job.  Most learn as they go, just like mothers.  Some come to it late, with the family already in progress.  But however they come to the job, fathers make a difference in the world of their children.

Today I am grateful for fathers.  They lead, they challenge, and the best of them inspire us to be better people as adults.  It is a high calling, and I am proud to be my father's daughter.