Dads

Dads

This is not a blog about how to be a great dad. I have been a dad for a long time. Looking back, I can say that dad work is an imperfect science at best. All the “how to” books don’t scratch the surface of the actual hands on, day to day life of a dad. There is no such thing as a perfect dad. My parenting mantra is this: parents give us life not perfect! Here are a couple of things I have learned about being a dad. Each one begins with the word GOOD.

A good dad sets his standard high. He doesn’t look to our culture to prompt him about fatherhood. There isn’t much TV, social media or public figures have to offer as role models for dads. A good dad looks for down to earth, principled mentors to encourage and correct him on the parenting road.

A good dad knows how to be a good son. Every man, whether he grew up in a healthy family or not, still has the opportunity to experience a relationship with his Heavenly Father. There are no lone rangers in this fathering business. Us men need all the help we can get. That help starts at the foot of the Cross.

A good dad is not just a part of the reproductive process. His contribution goes far beyond being a biological dad. He is the one who models the love of the Father by feeding, leading and protecting his children. No easy task in a culture that demeans the role of men.

A good dad lays a firm foundation in his children by word and example. He is one who is equipped to teach and discipline his children in the ways of the Lord. A dad is the model of one who can face hardship and failure as well as success and prosperity. Dad is the one who prepares his children for the long obedience in the same direction.

Dads listen closely to these words of a man who was never a biological father but was a mentoring father to many who were fatherless: “Fathers, don’t exasperate your children by coming down hard on them. Take them by the hand and lead them in the way of the Master.”