We choose to love our children...
During the ups,
Downs,
And everything in between.
And yet in doing so we realize how much of a challenge that commitment can be for the long haul.
But...
We seek to win the game.
As you read through my thoughts below, you will encounter a number of ways -- or tools if you please -- that Jesus uses to bring us as Christian dads closer to Himself throughout the parenting adventure.
No doubt you will identify with many of these tools -- if not all of them.
I chose to deliver share these insights with you in the form of summary statements concerning various aspects the Christian parenting odyssey.
One: The Adventure Of Caring As A Christian Dad
Caring may never end...
But in the end be ready for never-ending changes regarding the ways in which you do care.
We must bring the entire caring process to Jesus.
Two: The Reality Of Dealing With Pain As A Christian Dad
Pain management will become a familiar term for any parent who decides to make it a long-term goal to care long-term.
We must bring our pain and the pain of our children to Jesus.
Three: The Need To Practice "Releasing" As A Christian Dad
Trying to be a good Christian parent will mean trying to release more of what you don't know while striving to release your grip on all you do know.
We must release our children to Jesus: again and again. It simply does not end.
Four: "Who Is On First Base Anyway?" (The Ongoing Process Of Learning As A Christian Dad)
At age 66 I feel in some ways that I know much more than I did while on first base as a parent so-to-speak, but in other ways I feel I'm just rounding first base in terms of the learning process.
We must bring our ongoing need to learn to Jesus.
Five: My Need To Keep On Trusting Jesus As A Christian Dad
I thank the Lord for the day when after passing third I will arrive at home, but my heart cries "Help me trust!" as I reflect on the needs of my children today and the anticipated needs of my children during their tomorrows.
We must continually bring our need to trust to Jesus.
In The End My Focus As A Christian Dad Is...
In the end, however, whether I am a parent, apparently single for this phase of my life, or not visualizing becoming a parent during my stay on earth...
My focus remains on the One who brought me out of the kingdom of darkness and transferred me into the kingdom of his marvelous light.
It is before him I bow,
To him I cling,
For him I live,
And with him I journey.
--- As A Christian Dad, What Will I Take Home With Me Now? ---
Speaking of the caring, releasing, painful, learning, and trusting aspects of Christian parenting that promote our growth in Christ, what comes to mind in terms of where you need to travel with Jesus now?
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If you were to share with a small group of Christian dads on the "parenting process tools" that the Lord uses to draw you to his side, what 5 tools would you list? Why?
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