Happy Father's Day
The righteous man who walks in integrity and lives life in accord with his [godly] beliefs— How blessed [happy and spiritually secure] are his children after him [who have his example to follow]. - Proverbs 20:7 (amplified)
It’s not easy being a dad, but it can produce a lot of joy... and a sense of purpose.... and fulfillment.
It’s not easy being a dad, but it is one of the greatest things in the world. It is a privilege and a challenge, all at the same time.
It’s not easy being a dad because we don’t always (or seldom) get it right. We are flawed human beings trying to make do something that is not easy – raise and influence children to become who God created them to be, sometimes without an example to pull from. It can feel like we have to go a whole new way besides the way we were raised.
It's not easy being a dad and trying to help our kids not make the same mistakes we did. It’s hard because we had to learn some things by experience, and we don’t want them to have to experience the same things we did.
It’s not easy being a dad, especially if you know some really good ones. It’s way too easy to compare and feel like you are coming up short.
It’s not easy being a dad, because it is too easy to want to be selfish or lazy or to be preoccupied with our own things.
It’s not easy being a dad because it takes a lot of energy and intentionality, and it can feel like we don’t have enough of either of those things.
It’s not easy being a dad, but it sure is wonderful.
It’s wonderful to watch our children become their own selves, separate from us, but still similar... familiar... there is a likeness there.
It’s wonderful to see them accomplish something and be overwhelmed with pride and love for them. It makes us wonder if our fathers/father figures felt that same way about us.
It’s wonderful being a dad, and seeing our children grow and mature and then move on to live their own lives, and while that has some elements of sadness to it, we know that it is the way things are supposed to be. (Though we still enjoy connecting over time.)
It's wonderful being a dad and getting a glimpse of what God must feel when He sees us, His children, when we get it right and when we get it wrong, He still loves us. He’s still our Abba, “Daddy”, Father God.
To all the dads out there who are reading this – “Happy Father’s Day.”
May you be blessed by your Heavenly Father God in all you do.
And may He bless your children too!
And may His face shine upon you.
That your troubles be few
And His mercies be new
Especially if you don’t feel like you have a clue
That you may find real joy as a child of God your whole life through!