"I believe that what we become depends on what our fathers teach us at odd moments, when they aren't trying to teach us. We are formed by little scraps of wisdom."

                                    ~ Umberto Eco

Let's honor fathers today. Our fathers. All fathers. May we recognize some of the wisdoms they have given us along with strengths they have passed on to us.   

We are shaped too, of course, by their love, their courage, their hope, their faith.

May we be grateful for all the ways that our dads and father figures have nurtured us and continue to foster the best in us, whether they are still here, present in our lives, or have passed on.

One formative thing I appreciate about my father is that he nurtured my gift of hope in the way he demonstrated trust in the goodness of life even when challenging things were happening in the world. 

In addition to those who fathered us, may we honor the men who parent children with us. And honor ourselves, if we are the fathers! 

May we honor fatherhood itself today by giving all fathers support and encouragement, gratitude and respect, reverence and love.

This is one way that we can give scraps - no, gems - of wisdom to the little ones in our lives and to all whom we encounter. 

May we love and honor one another.