Father’s Day always stirs a quiet wave of emotions in me. This year was no different. I began preparing my dad’s outfit from Saturday because I knew Sunday was going to be a beautiful one. Our church secretary had announced the previous week that the celebration would be something special. Since men have just this one day each year to be honored, the church agreed to make Father's Day truly memorable, to make every man feel seen and appreciated.
So, I carefully washed and ironed my dad’s expensive wrapper and white senator outfit. I cleaned his shoes until they shone and polished his glasses. I wanted him to appear absolutely swaggerlicious 😎🤓, like a sharp young man of 40 who could still turn people's head! We were expecting visitors to join us in the celebration, and I wanted my dad to look his best.
When Sunday finally came, we woke up early and got ready for church. At church, many other men also wore their wrappers, both the young and the old, married and single. Some mixed their regular shirts and trousers with traditional wrappers tied over them. The atmosphere was vibrant, filled with smiles, love, joy, and the sweet anticipation of a great service ahead.
After the usual Sunday School and worship session, it was time for the men to shine. They stood out boldly, taking turns to share and present. My dad gave a heartfelt testimony, he recalled how he was once a young single man, and how God had blessed him with a beautiful wife, loving children, and wonderful grandchildren. It was such a proud moment. More testimonies followed, and then we all sang from the hymn book before moving into the general thanksgiving. And that was the crown of it all.
I danced and sweated with joy and my dad wasn’t left out, not even the visitors who came to worship with us! For the first time, I saw my dad dance like David in the Bible. I couldn’t believe my eyes! The joy in the room was overwhelming. Celebration was truly in the air. Everyone smiled non-stop, even after the music stopped. I caught sight of one of the visitors wiping sweat off his forehead while fanning himself- proof of how deeply the joy touched everyone.
Our pastor then prayed for all the men, blessed the women and children, and finally the entire congregation. After the sermon, we were encouraged to stay back and enjoy some refreshments.
It was truly a beautiful celebration. Photos were taken, laughter filled the air, and everyone left with joy in their hearts. It may not have been a grand event by the world’s standards, but the love and joy it carried were more than enough to brighten every soul present.
Father’s Day is one of my favorite days of celebration, just like Mother’s Day. But since dads only get this one shot each year, it’s always made grand.
Fathers deserve to be celebrated. They carry so much and give so much. And thanks to the incredible mothers who stand beside them, giving support and strength, they are truly a team. Parents are one of life’s most beautiful gifts from our Creator.
Happy Father's Day to all fathers and fathers-to-be around the world. I pray you continue to be strengthened to lead, love, and provide with grace and wisdom.
