Being a Dad

I have been blessed for many years by having my birthday land on, or near, Father's Day. This year, it falls on Father's Day. For me, and perhaps my children, there tends to be a focused reflection on my dual roles of being human and being a dad. This duality is humbling at best and can be painful to consider when I take the time to meditate on it.

I am a fallen human being. I need so much of God's help navigating through this world and my life. Yet, I am a dad to four children who also need lots of help navigating through their worlds. This duality creates tension. I'm a learner, follower, and disciple of Jesus, and I am a leader and mentor to my children. At times, I don't feel competent in either role. But I love following Jesus and I love being a dad.

Being a dad gives me perspective on a life I have been so blessed to have; yet in my humanity, clearly do not deserve. Being a follower of Jesus, and being a dad, I get a small glimpse of just how much our heavenly Father loves me. He gave me children to love in a way that mirrors His love for me. He also gave me children to help me understand just how much I need my heavenly Father. Being a dad gives me something to protect with my life and love with all of my heart. It is a gift from God.

Being a dad is a responsibility and trust that sits around my shoulders. I cannot carry the responsibility alone very well. I need my Father to carry the load. I need my children to point me to my Father. What an amazing God we have that we get to be dads who get to love like He does and to be loved like only He can. Happy Father's Day, dads! We are most blessed!