That’s Robbie’s dad (“Pop Pop”) about to tackle a lobster at Coop deVille in Martha’s Vineyard.
Robbie’s cousin, Petey, launched the wharf-front restaurant 30 years ago, and all manner of Berndt relations were on hand last weekend to help him celebrate three decades of serving up wings, seafood, and 70 different kinds of beer that Petey says “pair well” with things like lobster. (I sampled a grapefruit beer that was probably less healthy than it sounded, but it did bring out the best in my onion rings.)
Anyhow, watching Pop Pop’s happiness at being surrounded by his brood, I was reminded of one of my favorite “man psalms.” The newer, gender-neutral Bibles have tweaked the pronouns so that passages like this one apply to everyone (which they do), but I’m kind of partial to my old 1984 version, where Psalm 112 is distinctly masculine, chock-full of good things for guys. And since Father’s Day is on Sunday, I invite you to pick a few verses and pray them for your dad, your grandfather, your husband, or any fella who could use God’s blessing on his life today:
Heavenly Father…
May _____ find great delight in your commands and be blessed. (v. 1)
May his children be mighty in the land; may each new generation be blessed. (v. 2)
May his household be marked by wealth, riches, and a righteousness that endures. (v. 3)
Even in darkness, may light dawn for ______; may he be gracious and compassionate. (v. 4)
Bring good to ______. Cause him to be generous, and to conduct his affairs with justice. (v. 5)
Let him never be shaken; may he be remembered forever. (v. 6)
May _____ have no fear of bad news; give him a steadfast heart that trusts in you. (v. 7)
Give him confidence, security, and victory over his foes. (v. 8)
May ____’s legacy be one of generosity and good deeds, a life marked by influence, dignity, and honor. (v. 9)
Amen.
