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.