Yesterday was a day to celebrate fathers – the fathers and grandfathers we had, the fathers we may be, and the fathers that our sons have become.  We’re grateful for their goodness, and we forgive them any shortcomings.

The day reminded me of a song I used to sing at camp.  The same verse was repeated over and over, each time we added one more action – raising one arm, two arms, one leg, two legs etc.  It was active and fun.  You get the idea.

Father Abraham had many sons
Many sons had Father Abraham
I am one of them and so are you
So let’s just praise the Lord

Father Abraham did have many sons. First there was Ishmael, son of a maid.  Then Isaac, the son promised to Sarah and Abraham.  After Sarah died there were six more:  Zimran, Jokshan, Medan, Midian, Ishback and Shuah.   When we think of Abraham we usually think of the one son, Isaac.  The son promised by covenant.  The son who would continue the lineage leading to the birth of Jesus.

Yet, in another way, Abraham did have even more sons.  We read in Galations 3:7, “Understand, then, that those who have faith are children of Abraham.”  That means me and you.  And that takes us back to the simple camp song: “I am one of them and so are you, so let’s just praise the Lord.”

Judy