The Standard June 20, 2026
I am rewatching The Wonder Years after several decades. It is a coming-of-age television series showing 12-year-old Kevin Arnold growing up in a typical suburban middle-class town in the United States in the late 1960s and early 70s. His father, Jack, is portrayed as a hard-working, patriotic Korean War veteran who provides for his family and keeps most of his emotions to himself. Each day he comes home for work ready for some peace and quiet, usually not sharing the stress of his job with his wife or children. Like many who grew up in the Great Depression, he is extremely frugal and practical. He works on his own car, lawnmower, and yard, teaching his sons to do the same. Mr. Arnold is what might be described as a “scary dad,” who means what he says and whose children know better than to cross the line of rebellion. Certainly, he loves his wife and children and shows this by providing for and protecting them. The moments of bonding are there, although they are not always so obvious. The mother is the homemaker and cheerful nurturer while the father is the emotionally-guarded, gruff disciplinarian. Some of us can relate to this scenario.
Jack represents a different era in fatherhood, although not all dads have fit any stereotypical mold at any point in history. In general, today’s fathers tend to seek a better work-life balance and to be more hands-on with day-to-day child rearing. Many dads express themselves more emotionally and are verbally affirming to their children; some always have been like this. Fathers play such a crucial role in families and society. These might be biological or adoptive dads, or father figures. On June 21 we will celebrate these men who have had such a positive impact on our lives and thank God for good male role models. We empathize with those who are grieving the lack or loss of a father or father figure.
“Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. ‘Honor your father and mother’ – which is the first commandment with a promise—‘so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on earth.’ Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.” Ephesians 6:1-4
“Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their father? If you are not disciplined—and everyone undergoes discipline—then you are not legitimate, not true sons and daughters at all. Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of spirits and live! They disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.” Hebrews 12:7-11
“As a father shows compassion to his children, so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear him.” Psalm 103:13
“The father of a righteous child has great joy; a man who fathers a wise son rejoices in him. May your father and mother rejoice; may she who gave you birth be joyful!” Proverbs 23:24-25
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