A Father's Influence

From FOCUS ON THE FAMILY, Today, 15-May-2008 edition

 

A Father’s Influence

By Dr James Dobson

 

Some years ago, a greeting card company decided to do

something special for Mother’s Day. They set up a table

in a federal prison, inviting any inmate who so desired

to send a free card to his mother.

 

The lines were so long that they had to make another trip

to the factory for more cards. Due to the success of the event,

they decided to do the same thing on Father’s Day. Only this time,

not one prisoner felt the need to send a card to Dad and many

had no idea even who their fathers were.

 

Contrast that story with a conversation I once had with a man

named Bill Haughton, who was president of a large construction firm.

 

I asked him: “When you are thinking of hiring an employee –

especially a man – what do you look for?”

 

He said, “I look primarily at the relationship between the man

and his father. If he felt loved by his dad and respected his authority,

he’s likely to be a good employee.”

 

Then he added, “I won’t hire a young man who has been in rebellion

against his dad. He will have difficulty with me, too.” Fathers, never

underestimate the influence you have on your children, both your

sons and your daughters.