When God Created Fathers

Its mooi wat ek gelees het vandag:

When God was creating fathers, he started with a tall frame.

And the female angel nearby said, “What kind of father is that? If you’re going to make children so close to the ground, why have you put fathers up so high?  He won’t be able to shoot marbles without kneeling, tuck a child into bed without bending, or even kiss a child without a lot of stooping.”

And God smiled and said, “Yes, but if I make him child size, who would children have to look up to?”

And when God made a gather’s hands, they were large and sinewy.

And the angel shook her head and said, “Do you know what are doing? Large hands are clumsy.  They can’t manage nappy pins, small buttons, rubber bands or ponytails, or even remove splinters caused by baseball bats.” And God Smiled and said, “I know, but they are large enough to hold everything that a boy empties from his pockets at the end of the day, yet small enough to cup a child’s face in his hands.”

And God molded long, slim legs and broad shoulders

And the angel nearly had a heart attack. “Boy, this is the end of the week alright.” She chuckled. “Do you realize you just made a father without a lap? How is the going to pull a child close to him without the kid falling between his legs?”

And God smiled and said, “A mother needs a lap. A father needs strong shoulders to pull a sled, balance a boy on a bicycle, or hold a sleepy head on the way back from the circus.”

God was n the middle of crating two of the largest feet anyone had ever seen when the angel could not contain herself any longer.  “That’s not fair,” she said “Do you honestly think those large boats are going to dig out of bed early in the morning when the baby cries, or walk through a birthday party without crushing at least three of the guests?”

And God smiled and said, “They’ll work.  You’ll see.  They’ll support a small child who wants to ride a horse, or scare off mice at the summer cabin, or display shoes that will be a challenge to fill.”

God worked through the night, giving the father few words, but a firm authoritative voice, eyes that saw everything, but remained calm and tolerant.

Finally, almost as an afterthought, H added – tears.  Then he turned to the angel and said, “now are you satisfied that he can love as much as a mother”.

And the angel shutteth up!