Father of the nation

Being a father is a huge responsibility. How huge? Bigger than any position the world may bestow! Are you sure, some may ask.

Here is what came in the news today:

A British auction house has put on sale three explosive letters written in June 1935, revealing Mahatma Gandhi’s deep concerns over the behaviour of his eldest son Harilal.

“You should know that your problem has become much more difficult for me even than our national freedom” Gandhi says.

Mohandas Karamchand [Mahatma] Gandhi was the leader of India’s freedom struggle, where he used non-violence as the means to resist British rule in India in the 1900’s. He is now called the Father of the Nation, and his image is on the currency notes of India, called the Rupee.

Figure 1 Mahatma Gandhi Father of the Nation of India

These letters reveal the huge impact his son’s behavior was having on him, an impact bigger even than the issue of freedom for the entire Indian sub-continent, which is now three countries with 20% of the World’s population.

As parents this is a lesson we need to take very very seriously.

Dead Dad or Dad to be, however important your job or business or even Title may be, ultimately if you have not been a father to your own children, everything else will be in vain.

Over 3000 years ago it was written in the Book of Proverbs [19:13] A foolish son brings disgrace to his father. And (Pro 17:25)

Foolish children bring sorrow to their father and pain to their mother.

As parents the most important job you can have is to bring up children who are wise. Take it very seriously, dear friend. The time you have with your children will soon pass away, but the impact you can make on their lives is eternal.