Recently I posted a video on Facebook by the Skit Guys titled "Fatherhood: What's It Like Being A Dad?" It shares one man's encounters with his children through various facets of life, precious moments, heartbreak and teachable times. I posted it for my sweet hubby since he is such an amazing dad. Of course, Brad typically doesn't like to watch videos, so I had to call it up and hand it to him on my phone to watch it. I knew he would be touched by it and sure enough, tears were flowing when it came to an end. It's because the moments highlighted in this video are relatable to every dad. 
Today is Father's Day, and it's my hope that one day both Rob and Anton will get to be daddies. I think I can speak for Brad and say it is one of the most rewarding, challenging, stressful, blessed jobs there is. It's got a responsibility that's invaluable, as study after study has proven the importance of dads in the lives of their children as role models and educators. A son learns from his father the way to be a good one ... or, interestingly, how to avoid being a bad one. 
Brad has worked very hard to be a good father. He has searched the Scriptures for God's direction. He has read books on how to be a godly man and father like "How To Raise A Modern Day Knight" by Robert Lewis, "A Man After God's Own Heart" by Jim George,"7 Men" by Eric Metaxas, "For Men Only" by Shaunti Feldhahn, "The Resolution For Men" by Randy Alcorn, "Better Dads, Stronger Sons" and "The Power Of A Man" by Rick Johnson, "Quiet Strength" and "Uncommon" by Tony Dungy, "15 Minutes Alone With God For Men" by Bob Barnes, "The Man In The Mirror" by Patrick Morley, and "Coach Wooden: Seven Principles That Changed His Life and Will Shape Yours" by Pat Williams among others. He takes the Bible at heart when it says in Proverbs 27:17, "As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another." He wants to be the father God expects him to be. And all he's learned shows in his behavior toward our two children. Both of our kids are very close to their father. They respect him, enjoy his company, love to talk to him and seek his guidance. My husband is a good man. Did I know when I met him that he'd be a good father? Nope, not a clue. He isn't perfect, but he tries every single day to get better and that means something.
So our advice for our son and future son-in-law:
- Observe how God is as a father and imitate him. "Be imitators of God, as beloved children." Ephesians 5:1
- Seek wisdom. "An intelligent mind acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge." Proverbs 18:15
- Teach your children about God. "Keep these words that I am commanding you today in your heart. Recite them to your children and talk about them when you are at home and when you are away, when you lie down and when you rise." Deuteronomy 6:6-7 and "Teach a child in the way they should go and when he is old he will not turn from it." Proverbs 22:6
- Compliment and encourage your children. "A voice from heaven said, "This is my beloved son. With him I am well pleased." Matthew 3:17 and "Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord." Ephesians 6:4
- Be brave. "I hereby command you: Be strong and courageous; do not be frightened or dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9
- Set limits. Kids need to know their boundaries. And stick with those limits. "Discipline your children, and they will give you rest; they will give delight to your heart." Proverb 29:17
- Love deeply and sacrificially. "As a father has compassion for his children, so the Lord has compassion for those who fear him." Psalm 103:13
- Forgive easily and admit when you're wrong. "Therefore confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another, so that you may be healed." James 5:16 and "I will get up and go to my father, and I will say to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son; treat me like one of your hired hands.' So he set off and went to his father. But while he was still far off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion; he ran and put his arms around him and kissed him." Luke 15:18-20
- Love your wife. After God, she comes first. Your children are watching how your treat her. Girls will learn how they should be treated and boys are learning how they should treat a lady/ "Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her." Ephesians 5:25.
- Pray ... a lot. Pray God guides you as a Father. Pray continuously for your children. "Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7 and "We have not ceased praying for you and asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of God's will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding." Colossians 1:9
Discussion: Tell about a favorite memory of your father. What are some traits that will make you a good parent?
Prayer: Father, we want to wish you above all others a Happy Father's Day, as we are so blessed to have you as our Abba Father. We give glory to you and thank you for your blessings. We thank you for daddies and pray for both Rob and Anton that they may be excellent fathers one day. In Jesus, Amen.
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