Do you ever find it easy to celebrate someone? They take what the Lord gives them and pour all they have into it. Making one day all about them, just doesn’t seem enough. However, we do it anyway and call it Father’s Day. Cards are selected and gifts collected. I always like to see what the kids come up with on their own. They make or find something and then wrap it up themselves. They wait expectantly to see their dads reaction as he opens up their gift. He gets equally excited when he is given a toy they picked out of the prize drawer at the doctors office and something new from a real store. All are precious because of the one giving them.

Rewinding just a bit, I’ve watched each time as Damon has been handed the gift of our kids soon after they were born. The love and overwhelming joy is almost indescribable. I’ve never worried if he would love the kids more than me or been jealous over the time and attention he gives them. In fact, I encourage it and am so thankful. To have a dad that is engaged and fully committed to his family is getting rare. One that puts God first, then his wife and then kids, isn’t always easy to find these days. Lies have been believed and the downward spiral of the family continues. Selfishness is the biggest lie ever and one satan uses time and time again. “You deserve” sometimes becomes the excuse to propel the lie. Guess what? It isn’t working.

Have you watched a child grow up knowing they are loved by their earthly father? I wonder if counseling offices would be less full if more dads made their families more of a priority? Maybe its that they don’t know how. What can be done now? Can this tide be turned or is it too late? I majored in sociology, so I am by no means an expert. However, I believe there is hope for families. Lots of ideas come to mind and I’m not quite sure how they are going to come tumbling out, but I’m talking to the Lord about it and letting Him lead. I do know that the Bible is full of wisdom. A dad who spends time reading God’s word and actually applying what He says in it, will better know how to love his family well. Selfish seems to become less in light of God’s word. I know this because I live with a man who lives this truth out. He gets up early, reads scripture and prays. His days are full and his love for us is evident.

Dads, you’ve been given a gift in the form of a child. Love them well and know to whom they are from. You have been entrusted with much. Do not take this lightly. Your child, and all the generations that come after them, are counting on you. Let God lead you, He is your Heavenly Father and has this whole thing figured out. It was His idea. “Blessed is the man whom You instruct, O Lord, and teach out of your law.” (Psalm 94:12). Also, talk to your kids and see what they need from you and how they see you. Be open and let your defenses down. Humility looks way better on a man than a suit of pride.

So, days after Father’s Day, I’m praying for dads. I pray you know that you aren’t these kids dad by accident. Your work at home matters and the impact you have is immeasurable. Don’t give up, no matter the age of your kids. Mistakes are made, but forgiveness is available from God and hopefully your family. “Let us search out and examine our ways, and turn back to the Lord; let us lift our hearts and hands to the God of heaven.”( Lamentations 3:40-41). It will all be worth it!