Holidays: A Blessing and a Curse

Fathers day and Mother's day are blessings and curses. Many people had ungodly fathers, in fact probably most, while others had good but not perfect fathers. The greeting card company was very sly, they created holidays to honor parents so that one would feel like a bad child if they didn't buy a card or gift. Over time they added birthdays, grandparents day and every other event that comes down the pike.

Then there are those children who feel they have done their duty by sending a card while ignoring the parent all year long. They have no respect for the wisdom or advice of the father or mother, but as long as they send that card, they have labeled themselves a "good son/daughter."


Then after everyone got used to cards and flowers, even those without much money felt compelled to spend money they shouldn't on something that ended up in a drawer later to be thrown away.

People do feel good when they receive a card, and that's nice, however there are many who don't receive one and feel bad, or get one and still feel bad because there is no love or respect shown any other time of the year.

What if there had never been a "Father's Day" created, the fathers wouldn't miss it, there would be no bad feelings for those who are not honored and fathers who are honored throughout the year, not with gifts or cards, but with honor and respect, would always be happy without the cards.

Sometimes I wonder if the holiday had not been invented by those who want to make a buck, life would not be so burdensome. There is emotional stress associated with the entire matter of expected gift giving.

Perhaps it is better to treat parents and other loved ones with honor and respect throughout the year rather than replacing the actions and attitudes with a card instead. Sometimes we actually think that giving a gift or card makes up for all the sinful goings on all year long. We can ignore, reject and even speak and act with contempt freely, as long as that card is sent on time for the designated holiday.

The best way to honor our parents is through our lifestyle and our desire to please them and valuing their wisdom.

The purpose in this discussion is not to make anyone feel bad about giving cards or gifts, but to motivate everyone to evaluate why they do it. Is it to relieve ourselves from guilt over an otherwise neglectful and selfish attitude the rest of the year, or is it because we want to bless our parents always and not just on one day a year.