i had to write a quick article this morning for the newsletter at work, and since i wrote about my dad, i thought i'd share it with you (no making fun of my writing skills;)!)...
The Importance of the Father
Growing up, my brother and I were blessed to have a father who was present. Within the hectic world of providing for his family, he always took the time to be our dad. He coached our sports teams, he led our youth groups, and he was there for all of our successes and failures. He was never afraid to challenge us when we thought we knew everything, and even now I have vivid memories of pivotal moments in my life where he loved me enough to say the hard things that forced me to choose to live for Jesus or to live for myself.
My dad taught me many things. I learned how to fish and how to get lost while camping. He showed me how to shoot a basketball and how to foul mercilessly when playing driveway hoops against my little brother. He taught me to choose right from wrong and not to judge people or situations at face value. Most importantly, he always reminded me that human beings (and fathers) will never be perfect. Being a father is a hard job—and all fathers will make mistakes. He showed me that I have a Father in heaven who IS perfect, and He will never leave me nor forsake me. My dad always pointed me towards Jesus, our true Father, and I cannot ever thank him enough for that precious gift.
If you are a father, please know that your children truly do look to you for discipline and guidance, and (whether they know it or not) they will one day appreciate every step you take to point them down the right path. If you are reading this thinking "my father never did those things for me," or "my father wasn't there for me," please know that your Father in heaven never left you, and you have the opportunity to pass His love on to your own children. Our heavenly Father loves us as His children—he disciplines us when we disobey, but he does not leave us when we are struggling or in pain.
“As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him.” Psalm 103:13
Fathers are a precious gift. Show your appreciation for your Father this June 21st!
woe is me...:)
2 comments:
Thank you for sharing your article, your dad is a great man!
I am so glad you are lovin' the java!
i read this to dad and he, in his usual understated way, smiled and said "hmmmm". thank you for loving your dad like you do :)
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