With Father’s Day coming up, it always gets me thinking. I wonder sometimes if I’ve been a good father. I love my kids, but I know I’ve spent a lot of time on the road helping other people. My father, I imagine, had similar thoughts…working at Bethlehem Steel all day and then getting home exhausted. He made the best of the limited time he had during the day to make sure we felt loved.
Here’s a few things I’ve learned along the way:
1. Never forget to be obvious. Don’t assume that your family knows you love them…tell them.
2. They need your time. They need to go for walks, vacations, ballgames, and even the mall. For me, making time for my kids is not always the easiest thing, but it is by far one of the most important.
3. Listen to your kid’s joys and hurts. Paying attention is sometimes the most valuable thing we can do. They don’t just need us to be physically present…they need us emotionally available.
4. Like my friend, Duane “Dog” Chapman‘s book says, “Where Mercy is Shown, Mercy is Given“. Show your kids mercy. They will mess up, but so will you and teaching them to show mercy comes from showing them mercy first.
5. And above all I’ve learned that children need our unconditional love-when they succeed and when they make mistakes; when life is easy and life is hard.
These are lessons that I don’t always get right, but I continue to learn and grow and be the father I know my kids need.
I love my kids.
6 Comments
The last time I saw your kids they were wee ones. How beautiful they are. Not surprising when I remember the entire family unit. Your son looks so much like you and your daughter looks just like her mother. I’m so thankful for all that you have poured into my life and will be forever grateful for those years of mentoring.
GREAT PIC OF THE ROYAL FAMILY….VA
Hola Papa Storey,
How the year flew by…Still remembering the last Diligent Godly Day. Prov 21:25 “The desire of the lazy man kills him, for his hands refuse to labor.” This scripture really hit’s home for me, because I was a product of this in my family, When the Enemy attacked my father in his discipline for studying the word of God. The Juarez family fell apart. Now we all had a genuine comback, Claiming the prayer of Jabez. Against the backdrop of people who avoid work, cut corners, and do half-hearted jobs, a diligent man stands out. Practicing diligence is an excellent way to stand out for Christ at home, in the workplace, and even at church. Today, complete each one of your tasks, however big or small, with diligence” -Dr. David Jeremiah
Still Water’s , your lovely picture with your children represent such a harmonious piece of art. Isaiah 30:15 ”In quietness and confidence will be your strenth.” Our diligent Messiah said “Come aside by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while,” Jesus told the disciples in Mark 6:31 ”Be still and know that I am God” Psalms 46:10. Enjoy this song, by Nora Jones “Humble me” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0rsX-LpXqlI I love you all in our Abba God, TRuth
Proverbs 22:6, my favorite verse, I have meditated for years over my 3 children! Psalm 91 is protection prayer also! Be a blessing children you have an Awesome Daddy!
What a Beautiful family. Your children are so blessed to have you as their Dad. Happy, happy Father’s Day.
Happy Father’s Day Sir,
This was a good post; children do need the love of a Dad. When a child knows that a Father loves them (and I have spoken with hundreds of youth), it makes all the difference in the world. God Bless you Sir.
Rane