Thirty-three years ago this month I bought my last Father’s Day card. I didn’t know it would be the last one, but that’s what it turned out to be. Now, even though I no longer buy them, each year I do pause, reflect, and give thanks to God for the man for whom I bought those cards. That’s what I’m doing today. In the first few verses of Proverbs 4, the writer states, “For I was my father’s son…He taught me also.” I guess that’s what I’m most thankful for: he taught me. Through his words and his walk he taught me priorities – God, family, ministry (those “Family Circles”!). He taught me passion – for the Lord, for the authority of the Scriptures, for the local church. He taught me perseverance – in weariness, in conflict, in heartache. He taught me the importance of people – love them, be patient with them, serve them. He taught me the right path for my life – in his words, “Keep your nose in the Book, your knees bent in prayer, and your eyes on the Savior.” By God’s grace, I hope I’ve been a good learner. And I pray I always will be. No, I don’t buy Father’s Day cards anymore, but I must admit that sometimes I look at them. And even read a few. And right there in Walmart, Walgreens, or wherever it might be, I breathe a prayer of gratitude for a father who taught me. Men, will you join me in teaching the next generation? Someone has to.