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I will never forget May 30, 1975. My wife Gail’s lower back pains were coming at suspicious intervals, and after a quick call to the doctor, we made our often-practiced dash to the hospital. After seemingly endless tests, probes, and contractions—and back labor, acute toxemia, and six hours—Kara burst into our lives … and I became a father.
Five pounds of miracle nestled in a pink blanket—tiny fingers and toes all wrinkled and working; helpless and dependent with desperate cries for attention or nourishment. She was all we had prayed for: a child, a gift from God.
In the succeeding weeks and years, I found that being a father meant much more than that initial surge of euphoria. I had to learn to check my anger and to discipline with firm and loving action. With new mouths to feed and bodies to clothe, I discovered the “family laws of economics.” I had to depend on God for the safety and care of my family. And I began to catch the meaning of unselfish love—giving myself to meet my children’s needs, knowing that they would not fully understand what it means to be a parent until they had the experience themselves.
Fatherhood hasn’t been easy, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything. God has given me the responsibility for the nurture, protection, and guidance of two of his prize creations. Kara and Dana have also filled my life with joy. Watching them learn and experience life afresh is thrilling, and I will never tire of hearing, “I love you, Daddy.”
It is inconceivable to me that a man could turn his back on his family. But our society is replete with runaway fathers, deserting “to find themselves” while struggling with midlife, or to join a secret lover. Others stay at home but are rarely there. The average American father spends 37 seconds a day with each child. Kids are often, whether consciously or unconsciously, seen as inconveniences or financial drains.
I’m glad that our heavenly Father hasn’t abandoned us. No—in fact, the opposite is true. He allows us to become his very own children through faith in his “one and only” Son, Jesus Christ. Then, as his sons and daughters, we are free to enjoy his presence, authority, and guidance, and we are his heirs, co-heirs with Christ. Our Father loves totally and unselfishly, and he wants to give us every good gift. To call God “Father” is to affirm the profound reality of his love and grace. On June 18 we honor earthly fathers, but every day we should honor “Our Father in heaven.”
This week, celebrate a time of thanksgiving and commitment. Tell your dad how much you love and respect him, and thank God for his perfect fathering. Dads, resolve to really love your kids, seeing each moment together as a priceless gift, and pray that they may see the likeness of your heavenly Father in you.
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