As someone who watched my Dad die I find the crass promotional slogans of “Remember Dad” in a shop window or catalogue to be particularly offensive. I do remember him, but that isn’t what they mean – it’s really shorthand for “show love by buying stuff”.

On the other hand, I’ve been a dad myself now for 5 years and in a couple of days we’ll welcome our fourth child along. Any relationship with another person is tough. Being a dad is one of my roles and I find it very challenging – mostly to my love of myself, I’m ashamed to admit.

Thirdly, I know people who’ve had bad dads.

The default for a person in any of these groups is to feel sorry for yourself.

Instead let’s resist that trend and encourage the dads we know to press on and be better.

Lastly, I know a perfect father. Jesus is his son, and so am I. He’s my go-to in sadness, selfishness, striving to be a better dad. Father’s Day is a great time to think about where you are at with God.

St Paul’s Anglican Church meets on Sundays at 9am with kids church. All welcome.