I remember as a teenager getting myself into trouble and knowing I had made some very poor choices. Regretful and knowing there would be rightful consequences, I waited for the inevitable conversation with my father. Finally Dad entered my room and after a long silence, I simply told him that I was sorry. ‘I know’ he said, putting his arms around me. He then walked out of my room. The power of those two words: ‘I know’. What more do any of us want in life than to be understood? Those two small words conveyed to me that he somehow understood how I could do something so terrible and he understood that I was sorry. I was no longer alone.
The power of a tiny gesture, an undeserving hug. Despite my transgression, I was not only understood, I was loved. Two small words and one small gesture and the whole universe was set right and the punishment was rightfully served. I wish all of our fathers a special day this Sunday.