Early in the book version of Peter Pan, Wendy’s father is jealous of the family’s beloved dog Nana. He plays a mean-spirited prank on her. And then when the children are dismayed, he complains bitterly, “Much good it is my wearing myself to the bone trying to be funny in this house!”
“Father was ashamed of himself,” the narration explains, “and yet he did it. All owing to his too affectionate nature, which craved admiration.”
The job of children is:
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Not to admire all we do (no matter how much we may crave it)
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But only that which is actually admirable (and to learn the difference)
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And to love us anyway
The job of fathers is:
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To teach our children not to admire all we do
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To do that which is actually admirable (and to know the difference)
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And to be grateful for their loving us anyway
Mitch Teemley 
Reminds me of that poignant Graham Nash song (CSNY), “Teach Your Children.” Remember that one?
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LOVE that song!
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I certainly do!
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Sweet, Mitch! Happy Father’s Day. 🙂
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Thank you, Gabrielle!
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Thank you so much for sharing these simple yet profound truths! Happy Father’s Day!
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Thank you, Tausha!
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Remarkably wise advice.
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Happy Father’s Day to you, too, Mitch. I hope you were well-celebrated.
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I was, Russ, and likewise I trust.
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Well said, Mitch! I hope you had a good Father’s Day.
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I did! Thank you, Liz.
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You’re welcome, Mitch. I’m glad to hear it!
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Happy Father’s Day!
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Thank you, Warren. You too!
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🙏🏽
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matthew 7:13 enter in the gates
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Right you are, Rudy! “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it.”
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i thought i can do all things through him with strengthens thee
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Yes, that’s Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.” One of my favorite verses.
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as of philippians 4:11 is that the scripture where you hide the word
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Why not look it up and find out for yourself, Rudy?
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