Fathers

Fatherhood was meant to be enjoyed. First, there is that infant stage when they are changing so fast, and it’s so much fun to watch them explore their world. Then the toddler years come where they are so funny. They say things so spontaneously that take us by surprise. Like the time our son Eric said, “Look, the rain is licking up our hop-scotch from the sidewalk.” Or what our little daughter said in response to a car commercial with the car flying through the air, “Oh, what a strong car.” During a conversation with our little son Ryan, we told him that Daddy had Indian blood, so that meant that he and his brother and sister had some Native American blood line. He was very puzzled and asked about mother; we replied that she didn’t have any. To which he asked, “So what are you, mother, a cowboy?”

You are constantly laughing and being taken back by what they say. Like the other day when my son-in-law was giving my daughter a hug and their four year-old Caitlin said, “Hey, let’s not do that now, especially since we are eating, and maybe when we are finished we can all join in.”

Then comes the time during childhood where they love to be with their dad. God was so good to me because I had a job where I could often take my kids with me for a few hours on most any day. Honestly, I loved taking them with me and never felt more proud than when they were in my company.

Fathers, God gives us these unique years to love, teach and inspire our kids, and because we do that, we get their admiration and respect for life. That is worth more than all the bonuses and financial incentives in the world.

One of my all-time favorite scenes in the Bible is the scene where the prodigal son comes home to his father after his wayward journey that has ended in abject failure. He has finally come to his senses and realizes that everything he went searching for was back home with his father. Before he could even arrive at his father’s house—his father came running to him, “But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him” (Luke 15:20). That day the son experienced his father’s forgiveness. The father’s acts of love are so profound, as he calls for the best robe to be put on him and to prepare the fattened calf for the celebration. Let me tell you that when you forgive and accept, your acts and words are also profound to your son or daughter.

When a child grows up in a home where there is acceptance and forgiveness, his or her self-esteem will be much higher. This is crucial because it contributes to the way they view themselves and of course has so much to do with the quality of the relationships they have--most importantly with their spouse and children. Fathers, our acceptance of our children will impact how they live the rest of their lives.