Fatherhood and manhood have been under rapid erosion or downright attack in recent generations. I am aware that some readers may be recovering from the heritage of absent or downright bad fathers; others, like me, may not have grown up with a father and may have gravitated to, or been taken advantage of father-like figures; while others may have grown up with excellent dads – men who managed to pass on the best of their lives and their spiritual journeys. (For more, see Mark Clark’s Unfinished Men).

Thus Bob Tiede as a wise and experienced father encourages this “10 Questions to Ask your Dad on Father’s Day.”

This Father’s Day, here are few timely questions that can be a meaningful interaction. Chances are, your Dad will be glad you asked – and so will you. You’re even encouraged to record your Dad’s answers (based on Bob Tiede’s excellent blog: leadingwithquestions.com – first posted Father’s Day 2013).

10 Questions To Ask Your Dad On Father’s Day

1. What are your favorite memories of times you spent with your Dad (or father figure)?

2. What was your school like? What do you remember about your favorite teachers?

3. Who were your best friends growing up? And what did you like to do?

4. What kind of things did you do as a kid that got you into trouble at home or school?

5. Growing up what did you want to be?

6. Outside of the family, what was the very first job you had that you got paid for?

7. How did you meet Mom? How did you ask her to marry you?

8. What is the hardest thing that you ever had to do in your life?

9. What is the greatest compliment that you have ever received?

10. What is one thing you still want to do that you have never done? (What is still on your “Bucket List?”)

Bonus Question: If your Dad’s answer on any question leaves you wanting to know more, simple ask: Dad can you please tell us more about that?

Bonus Question: Tell us more about your spiritual journey –  how did you came to know Abba-Father?

No matter where you’re at in your relationship with your dad, keep in mind that Jesus’ primary revelation of God was as Abba-Father. One of the key indicators of spiritual rebirth and renewal is the inspiration of His own Spirit in us calling Abba-Father. And we can recognize the growth of our spiritual health when we find ourselves going to our Abba-Father in seamless prayer (The PAPA Prayer).

For more go to “The PAPA Prayer.”  May you find in Him, a Loving Father, the Abba/Daddy of familiarity, and One who made you for Himself. Happy Father’s Day!