Fatherhood

My accountability partners and I are reading through the Bible this year; we are currently in Proverbs. I was reminded this morning of the following words from Solomon's personal plea to his sons...

"Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life. Put away perversity from your mouth; keep corrupt talk far from your lips. Let your eyes look straight ahead, fix your gaze directly before you. Make level paths for your feet and take only ways that are firm. Do not swerve to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil."

As I read these words this morning, I pictured myself sitting down with my children providing them the wisdom and guidance they will need to live as children of God. I'll be honest, there are times when I feel I don't know what to say or I am overwhelmed in trying to explain the world to my children. There are times when I just want to keep them in the house and away from the pain and heartache they will inevitably experience as wanderers in this world.

I watch as my 5-year old son becomes more observant of the world around him. I sit in amazement as I realize he is already discovering that women are beautiful and wonder who taught him to say, "Hubba, hubba!" when he sees an attractive woman on the television. I listen as he begins to try on new words he learned from the kids at school or the kids in the neighborhood... sometimes saying them softly and hesitantly because deep inside he knows he shouldn't.

I wonder at times how simple the world must be to my 2-year old daughter...sleep, eat, play...repeat. I sit in amazement as I watch her nurture a baby doll (preparation for motherhood starts young, doesn't it?). I understand her need to ask, "Why?" all the time and am amazed when my answers placate her need for knowledge.

How simple it would be to remain distant and aloof from my children. How simple it would be to ignore the words they choose and to turn a blind eye to what they see on the television and in the world around them. How simple it would be to avoid answering their questions and simply reply, "Because..."

But I choose not to ignore. I choose to guard their hearts and satisfy their thirst for understanding. I choose to love and nurture and discipline and guide them on this path. And this choice requires sacrifice.

There are times when I don't get to watch what I want or do what I want. There are times when I must overcome weariness and laziness to be this type of father, but this is the very thing God has called me to do. This is the mantle that I can not, and should not, put down. This is the mantle that can not be carried by any other person. I am their father, and I will be until the day I die.

I know there will be times when I fail (there have been so many already), but I must pick myself up and learn from the failure. And with humility, determination, prayer, and perseverance...press on.

Hunger & Thirst for Righteousness

"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled." (Matt 5:6)

How often have we suburban, diet-frenzied Americans glanced past this verse without truly grasping the lesson Jesus is trying to teach us? Is it possible for those of us who have never experienced near-death starvation and thirst to truly appreciate this verse? In Jesus' day there were people walking around who hadn't eaten a substantial meal in weeks and who, living in an arid, desert region, knew thirst for water like we will never appreciate.

Perhaps we would do well to spend a few days in the desert with no food and no water and then re-read this verse. Maybe then we will understand how deeply we are to desire and pursue the righteousness that only God can offer...

Caribou Question of the Day

What was Bruce Willis' character's name in the Die Hard movies?

Great Pastor or Great Dad?

Mark Batterson, Lead Pastor of National Community Church in Washington DC, made the following comment in a recent podcast: "At the end of the day, I would much rather be a great dad than a great pastor. The church can find another pastor; my kid can't find another dad...you can't be all things to all people, but you'd better try your best to be all things to your family."

One of the struggles I see on the horizon is how to balance everything that my family will be involved with - work for both Karen and me, meetings at the church, kid's activities both in the church and in the community, special events, holidays, etc.

I have had this struggle for some time, but with Ethan entering Kindergarten this Fall there is a whole new level of balance that will be needed. Soon he will have more frequent plays and sing-alongs at school that I want to be at. And then there is the future involvement in sports and Cub Scouts and... And Morgan is growing up right behind Ethan, too!

I know that many of you are already struggling with this balancing act, but I am quickly approaching my day. Keep me in your prayers...and share those tips with me through the blog. Thanks!

Caribou Question of the Day

What board game was banned in the Soviet Union?