Happy Father’s Day

I speak from firsthand experience, parenting is not easy. I am the father of 3 teenage sons. My Three Sons is an appropriate reference for them. I probably could have my own TV show about the realities of parenting today. While our story might be unique to other families in New Orleans or across the country, there are some struggles and joys that others could relate to as well. Young fathers could learn from my strengths and my shortcomings.

Each of my sons are uniquely created and express life in ways that only they can. The Bible says that they are fearfully and wonderfully created.  I love that about God’s way but that doesn’t make it easy as a parent. We have to figure out how to reach each of our children’s different quirks (peculiar ways). We also have to realize how our quirks (peculiar ways) affect our children.

As I write this post, I am reflecting on my first writing on Fatherhood almost 19 years ago, to the month. My firstborn son was only 6 months old when I wrote my “mini-book” titled The Fatherhood of God. I can remember, as I sat at my desk late at night, contemplating my love for Adam and my new found  understanding of the love that God has for all of his children. For those of you who have newborn children you know what that experience is like. There is nothing like it. Every phase of a child’s development into manhood or womanhood is to be patiently and creatively cared for.

My son is now expecting his first child. A lot has happened during those 19 years, since he was born. We’ve had some ups and some downs but my appreciation of the principles that I wrote about have not changed. I believe this is perfect timing to dust off my transcript and breath fresh life into the pages I wrote. I might even say that it is a good time to let the pages I wrote breath fresh life into me and those who would read them. I hope to share those ideas over the course of this summer and see how they might inspire further understanding of Fatherhood.

In the meantime, as we approach Father’s Day, I’d like you to consider what you can do to express your gratitude to all of the Fathers that you know. Say a word of encouragement or plan something special to let them know you appreciate them.