Fathers Day

Throughout the history of mankind, many great fathers have been here leading, teaching, guiding, and otherwise raising there sons and daughters to be wise, noble and righteous unto the Lord.
Lehi, an ancient prophet, was one such father. As the record shows, Lehi demonstrated great wisdom and perseverance in the face of great adversity, the result of which was an example of righteous fatherhood to his sons.
If not for his strict obedience in leaving Jerusalem when the Lord warned him of the threats against his life, his family, possibly posterity, and many others lives would have been greatly and negatively affected. His faithfulness was the ultimate example to a young son named Nephi, who after years of watching and learning from dad, was able to lead his own family and others, to becoming a great civilization, built upon the foundation of Faith in Christ and obedience to his commandments. What great things Nephi was able to accomplish, much of which was in direct relation to the example of his righteous father.
Alma was another leader in scriptural history who can be noted for being an amazing dad. Alma had a son who struggled with many of the same weaknesses many of our young people struggle with today. It was so bad that his son Alma and his buddies were actually leading people away from having faith and destroying testimonies and even persecuting those around them. As a concerned father (concerned being the ultimate understatement I'm sure) he no doubt felt powerless at times when the rebellious young man refused to hearken to his counsel and please to change.
Alma did not give up courage and faith in his son though. He did not disown or right him off as a failure to the family tree. On the contrary his optimism and faith in his son and his Father in Heaven was so great that he went to his knees asking for help. No doubt he asked for inspiration on what to do as a dad in such difficult circumstances, and no doubt he spend many sleepless nights and tiresome days attempting to teach, encourage, and guide his wayward son.
Seeing the remarkable faith and effort displayed by such a worried dad for his son, the Lord saw fit to not only answer his petition of helping his son stop such hurtful acts to those around him, he went to the extent of changing his heart completely. The angel that approached Alma and his band of rebellious brothers, told them that it was in part due to the faith and prayers of his father that he was there. Alma, the dad, did not give up hope that there was rescue on the way, and because of that, the entire genealogy and history of the people of Nephi in ancient times was greatly affected. All because a great faithful dad stepped up and asked his Father, for a miracle.
Throughout the histories of time there have been many examples of such fathers who's faith, examples, work ethic, and unconditional love have lead the way for sons and daughters of all ages.
I happen to have one of those kinds of fathers. My dad understands the value of hard work, knows how to get things accomplished and sets goals and strives to reach his greatest potential. He is a man of understanding and empathy for those who struggle and fight each day to endure heartache, pain, loss, and fear. He is a man of great faith. Sometimes I am taken back in astonishment at the insights, and unwavering faith he demonstrates in the face of life's great obstacles. He is a man of prayer. Growing up its difficult to recall nights where I didn't pass his room at bedtime and see him on his knees next to his bed.
He is a man of love. Demonstrated by his absolute faith and unconditional care for my mother and brother and sister over many years, my dad has shown one of the most perfect examples of a genuinely concerned father I've ever witnessed first hand.
There have been many trials great and small which my dad has experienced in mortality. But I stand as a witness and a grateful son, that through the fields of affliction, my dad has been strong. When all seemed bleak and hopeless in my own life, his faith and encouragement seems to push me forward. I love him for showing me how do be the kind of dad every kid needs to have.
Now i'm new dad too. With circumstances and trials of my own which way heavily in the midst of sometimes uncertain chaos. Life indeed gets heavy sometimes and the endless struggle for survival leads to hopelessness for many in these moments of dispair.
I will always be thankful and continuously trying to become the man, the dad, and the father that my dad is today. Happy Fathers day Dad! I love you.