Coming Through

“Fathers need to work hard, whether married or not, to provide solid, responsible fathering…to work hard to be a positive influence for good in the children’s lives if mom and dad are no longer married.”  –Wayne Parker, About.com (Statistics on Children of Divorce in America)

 

Are you a dad that comes through? Do you make promises to your children and keep them, establishing an undeniable foundation of trust?  Can your kids count on you to be at the game or concert whenever possible, to do what you say you will- no matter how trivial it may seem to us?  These are some tough questions with some possibly convicting implications. If the answer is “no” or “I’ve never thought about it”, then perhaps it’s time we looked at the bigger picture.  As odd as this may (or may not) seem, I have noticed a huge difference in the way “Dad” is perceived in today’s society. It’s almost as if we dads that ARE involved and lead are kids are praised- for something we are supposed to do in the first place!  I have even noticed that when I see billboards of a family with mom, dad, and the kids in the same picture- it almost looks weird to me.  Granted, we are living in a world very different from previous generations, but that does not excuse us as fathers from our parental duties. Despite our current situation or circumstances, we still have the one constant that will always remain- a God who is able to save, lead, and bless those who cry out to Him.

I want to give you some encouragement today, Dad. As I pointed out in the final chapter of my book, the way we began in life is not nearly as important as the way we finish. If the examples I mentioned above shook you in a not-so-great way but you know that you can do better when it comes to being there for your kids, then we need to look no further than to the only One capable of leading us. Jesus never did anything without speaking with the Father first. He was constantly communicating, LISTENING (something we tend to fall short in- can I get an “Amen”, girls?), and remained obedient to God’s will. Stay connected to the Lord in your personal relationship with Christ- everything else will flow from there. It is in those times when we see life as He sees it: not trivial and to be taken for granted; but cherished and grateful for every minute we have that we are able to grow and flourish as the fathers we were always meant to be. Then use that momentum and carry it into your relationship with your son or daughter and give them the very best of yourself. Grasp onto and hold tight to the times or moments that so many parents overlook, times that will ultimately make the biggest difference in our kids’ lives when we are long gone.

 A father is respected because he gives his children leadership…appreciated because he gives his children care…valued because he gives his children time…loved because he gives his children the one thing they treasure the most- himself. -Unknown