A FATHER'S PLACE

“A man finds joy in giving an apt reply and how good is a timely word!”

Proverbs 15:23

Sitting in a restaurant recently, I watched a little girl climb up to her father’s lap, snuggle deeply into his arms and say warmly, “This is my safe place!”

Fathers, YOU are the “safe place” for your children. Without exception, you are their protector and provider. That’s all children really need from you. They just want to be in the same place as you, with you, and have you totally be with them.

It’s simple. They desperately, urgently need your time with the TV, cell phone, and computer all off. Your children need a safe place where you can ask them the important questions . . . and where they can answer them safely. “How are you and the Lord getting along?” “How can we pray today?” “What’s worrying you the most?” “What’s the funniest thing that happened to you today?” “What’s the best thing you learned?”

They need the safe place you give them so they can cry or laugh, be silly or silent, challenge or cherish, and have it all be okay. They just need a time to relax and sink into your arms and your heart with no distractions or agendas. Then they will always know that they can come to you, pray with you, and if you have truly opened the door to them, come to you for help.

Your children need a place where their opinions and perspectives are respected, and where God always has the last Word. They need a leader in their life who is a gentleman not a general. Being a father is far more than being a disciplinarian. Keep in mind that knowing the Lord is on your side means it’s okay to be gracious, assured, relaxed . . . even human.

Your children need a family shepherd. You don’t need to show them absolute and infallible authority. Just live your life with a powerful thirst for God and they will be thirsty for Him all the days of their lives.

Here are some wonderful words of wisdom to consider:

The Lord needs Fathers who:

·       Are committed to their children.

·       Know their children.

·       Are consistent in their attitudes and behavior.

·       Protect and provide for their children.

·       Love their children’s mother.

·       Actively listen to their children.

·       Spiritually equip their children.

The Lord needs Fathers who teach:

• Kindness by being thoughtful and gracious.
• Patience by being gentle and understanding.
• Honesty by keeping his promises to his family no matter what.
• Courage by living fearlessly with faith, in all circumstances.
• Justice by being fair and dealing equally with everyone.
• Obedience to God’s Word.
• Love for God and His Church. 

Father's Day prayer

Dear Jesus, thank you for entrusting these children to me. Help me to be the father you need me to be in every situation. Give me the strength and patience to truly be available for my children whenever they need me. Provide me with the wisdom and the words that they will need in the coming years. Allow me to love them with Your heart, hold them with Your Hands, guide them with Your Word and see them through Your Eyes. Amen.