I don’t know the people in this photograph, but I’m happy to say that my husband had the joy of meeting his great grandson before passing away. I’ve been blessed for the past 19 months to be part of that little fellow’s early development. Being a father is going to be the focus of my posts this week. We may have spanned five generations in my lifetime, but it takes a certain kind of man to carry on the role of father. Today, I’d like to address some of those qualifications. No, this isn’t a resume’ that is required becoming a dad. It’s just a few suggestions to help along the journey.

In my lifetime, I’ve been witness to several dads. I’ll tell you some things about them this week, but none would be nominated for “Father of the Year.” Opinions about fathers have changed over the past 50 to 60 years. No longer do we see the “Father Knows Best,” model. He was the dad who dressed in a business suit and tie to go to work each day. His wife stayed home and monitored the children, but dad always seemed to have the last word. The working world also included the factory employees, farmer, auto mechanics and others who would often come home with dirt all over them. They still had time to spend with their kids and help the work through problems. The workplace has changed. The parenting roles have changed, but the institution of parenting still requires a lot of work.

Parenting is a partnership, just like marriage.   When even the smallest portion of the job is taken away or lacks respect, the job loses value – and whether you believe it or not, parenting is a full-time occupation. Your children rely on you for their safety, comfort, love, tender touch, compassion. Not to mention the basics like food and shelter. They need you to teach them how to be purveyors of those attributes as well. Dads are teachers, leaders, role models, answerers, givers of wisdom and advice. They love their children more than themselves.

As we move forward to Father’s Day, let’s remember how our heavenly Father cares for us, His children. He gave the ultimate sacrifice for our salvation. His love has no strings attached. He gives us great parenting advice in the Bible. He will welcome anyone who comes to Him for forgiveness and a new life. He looks at His children’s forgiven hearts rather than their sin. He walks with them and guides them throughout their lives. He continues to pursue those who have strayed from Him. He corrects, disciplines and protects His children in this world and the next. That’s a tough act to follow, but it gives us a little insight into what God expects from earthly dads. He gives us the tools to complete the task, and He will give you the ability to use them.

In Psalm 103:13 we have a good job description for fathers.

“As a father shows compassion to his children, so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear him.”