In our opinion: The faith of a father

Over the past year, the Deseret News has looked closely at the state of the American family, and much of the emerging picture is troubling. Particularly disturbing is the disintegration of responsible fatherhood. For example, our reporting has shown how young men are increasingly delaying the responsibilities of marriage and fatherhood, how structural changes in the economy adversely impact traditionally male occupations, and how more than a third of children are growing up in homes without their biological father.

But shining through the fog created by fatherhood's dissipating role is the clear and unmistakable recognition that responsible fathers can make all the difference in the success of their families. Study after study confirms that children tend to flourish when they are able to grow up in a home with their own married mom and dad.

Obviously, the formula isn't foolproof. History and literature are replete with examples of honorable parents whose families stumble. And everyone knows loving, diligent and conscientious parents who wrestle with seemingly intractable family problems related to health, behavior and finances.

Nonetheless, in a sophisticated and materialistic world that is increasingly hostile to the well-being of children and the solidarity of families, we know of no better program for the health, education and welfare of the next generation than a sturdy, surefooted father who will love, honor and cherish the mother of his children while embracing the duties of parenthood.

So although we lament that fewer men are signing up for and sticking with the valiant service of parenting, we wish today to honor those who do.

Fathers, it is our opinion that few appreciate your daily struggle in these competitive economic times to provide for your family's needs without ever cutting corners or taking advantage of others. Thank you for your example of hard work and integrity.

Few grasp the frustration you have to swallow as you turn over a simple household task to a novice child. You could have done it yourself so much better and faster. Thank you for the patience and trust to teach and to train.

Few understand how deceptively simple it would be for you temporarily to improve your family's lifestyle by tapping into some of that abundant credit extended to you. Thank you for the courage to say no and to live frugally.

Few know of how careful you are to avert your eyes from the alluring exploitation of sensuality that saturates our media but corrodes trust. Thank you for your decency and fidelity.

Few appreciate the restraint you show when the carelessness of a child smashes something that was dear to you. Thank you for your patience and forgiveness.

Few have any idea of the tears you shed in secret prayer as you seek healing for the unseen wounds of a struggling child. Thank you for your faith and hope.

But few also are those who could possibly appreciate that lump of joy in your throat when the simple, but important things go right — when daily practice is rewarded with competence and skill, when a helpful deed is done without a prompt, when trust is repaid in kind and when love is shown through deeds as much as through words.

So on this Father's Day, when so much in our world is in turmoil, we wish to acknowledge just some of the quiet, dignified ways that responsible fathers demonstrate their faith and love. Your loyalty and dignity is a precious blessing to your wives, your children and your communities. Thank you for honoring the enduring principles of responsible fatherhood.