This Fathering thing is a tricky business. So many of us men have barely gotten started on figuring out what Life is all about when we are suddenly blessed with the moniker of 'father', and we are woefully prepared, especially those whose experiences with their own father are not those they would care to repeat. Others of us whose fathers were good role models look forward to the day when we will finally have the chance to be be that same role model to the next generation but must wait until the time is right ... and that time just moving further and further out.
I was particularly blessed with a good role model (although, like most young men, I didn't recognize it at the time) who not only provided me with a stable, loving home but also (with the help of my mother) gave me the rare opportunity to practice my 'fathering' skills on a couple of little brothers who came along just in time for me to learn how to change diapers and go for walks in the stroller and take long drives in the country (so they would finally fall asleep!) while playing Monty Python tapes.
From my father, I learned all about house maintenance and carpentry and car repair and the duty/privilege one has to one's family to provide physical support and protection.
From my father, I learned the joys of running and basketball and other exercises to maintain ones physique so that one is prepared to use ones inherent strength to perform the duties required to keep a roof over ones head.
From my father, I learned to listen to others and seek to understand what it is like to walk in their shoes, to comprehend their motivations and approach them with love, patience and empathy in order to help them along the right path.
From my father, I learned that every person is deserving of respect and honor, that every person, from the humblest clerk to the wealthiest CEO, is simply trying to make their way in the world, each with their own struggles and problems, and whether they are close friends or total strangers, one can bring joy to their lives by acknowledging them by name with a smile on ones face and a heartfelt wish for happiness and success.
But the greatest blessing I received from my father was his example as a man who seeks God, who daily searches the Scriptures to discover Truth, and who devotes his entire life and being to bringing that Truth to others. My father is as close an embodiment of true discipleship as there will ever be, and a servant worthy of his Master.
I love you, Dad!