Dadhood

Father's Day is this Sunday.  Preparing to preach an appropriate message for that day got me thinking about being a dad.  The following are some miscellaneous thoughts abut the joys, privilege, and challenge of dadhood.

There is nothing that can totally prepare you for having kids.  There is also nothing that can compare with it.

The pain of those who cannot have children is something which I cannot fully understand.  I am thankful they can look to their heavenly Father for the comfort which earthly friends like me sometimes fail to give.  Earthly friends like me need to be more aware and be better friends. 

A pair of tiny arms wrapped around your neck can melt away the stress of the day.

Having children makes things come out of your mouth that you never could have fathomed saying.

A look at my heavenly Father shows me just how far short I fall as an earthly father to my children.

Another look at my heavenly Father reminds me of the forgiveness I have through his Son.

That look also reminds me of how desperately my children need that same gospel.

Doing fun stuff with your kids is more fun for you than for the kids.  I'm taking the Zach attack to a Fort Wayne Tincaps game tomorrow night (E is doing something with the other 3), and I can't wait.

It's a good thing these boys have their mother

If I had a girl, I think I might be the biggest pushover on the planet.

I know more about the sin remaining in my heart since having children.  Wow.

When my kids have problems, I hurt.  Whether sickness, a rough time at school, being mistreated, or just a bad scrape.  So what happens as they grow older?  Friends tell me "Little kids, little problems.  Big kids, big problems."  Ugh.  Not looking forward to the bigger problems.

I see a lot of me in my children, and it's not all pretty.

Rolls of genuine belly laughter coming from the mouths of my little ones makes me smile (and laugh sometimes).

Discipline is not fun (for parent or child), but if I love my children, I'll discipline them.  Consistently.  

I'll also forgive them.  Like the father of the prodigal son.  

I'll also seek their forgiveness when I sin against them.  

The differences between my four boys are striking.  Laying in bed imagining with my wife what they will be when they grow up...that's a fascinating exercise.

I thank God for my boys.  What do your kids make you think of?

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