Dads Matter

“If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!”

Luke 11:13

   The day I became a father, I remember holding my oldest son for the first time. A mixture of absolute joy, and overwhelming responsibility washed over me in the first few minutes of his life.

Here was this tiny new person. He couldn’t do anything for himself, and we were now responsible to love, nurture and raise him up to be a servant of the Lord. I remember feeling thrilled, yet very inadequate at that moment. I had become a father.

Over the years, the joys of being a dad have been the most rewarding memories of my whole life. Helping my son tie his first tie, watching my daughter ride her bike on her own for the first time, celebrating all our kids accomplishments, large and small. Fatherhood is an amazing gift from God.

History and an ocean of data have confirmed the importance of a father’s role in children’s lives. Even in their weakness and stumbling ways, dads make a difference in families. Dads matter. Our heavenly Father is the Greatest Dad of all. He is perfect and always does what is right for His kids.

I collected a list of 10 things great dads do. Hope you enjoy the list.

Loving fathers:

1.  Love Their Children’s Mother. They love her faithfully and graciously no matter what.
2.  Love Their Kids Unconditionally. Come what may, dads still do what is best for their kids, not themselves.
3.  They Grow Up.  Kids don’t need another buddy. Loving fathers mature through the years to help their kids think through decisions, make wise choices and build for the future.
4.  Be There. Forget the quality vs quantity thing. Great dads are present and invest time into the lives of their wife and kids.
5.  Provide.  Though times may be lean, dads work hard so their families needs are met. They trust in God ultimately, but they show up at work every day and work hard.
6.  Discipline. No discipline feels good at the time. But a dad who disciplines his children in calm and loving grace prepares them for a life of health. joy, and meaning.
7.  Value Education.  No matter what their own educational career, great dads know that learning is the key to life. They encourage and invest time and resources in their kids development.
8.  Raise Them To Leave. It’s a wonderful but tough reality. Kids are born to leave us one day. Loving dads help their children gain independence so they can fly on their own. They teach them to take responsibility for their own lives.
9.  Teach Them to Love Life.  They embrace life with joy and confidence. Life is an adventure worth living and great dads see the future as bright and full of possibilities.
10.  Model Dependence on God. Maybe the greatest gift of all is to live a life before your kids of prayer, Bible study and trust in your Heavenly Father. Nothing could be more significant for your family.

Dads, we love you and thank you for all you do for our families. We know you are not perfect, but we are grateful you are there. Today, we pray that God will bless you and fill you with His perfect love. You are a gift to our lives.

Happy Father’s Day!