A Note to Self as a Dad

ntttsslf“The father of a righteous son will rejoice greatly, and one who fathers a wise son will delight in him. My son, give me your heart, and let your eyes observe my ways.”  (Proverbs 23:24, 26)

Sticky notes are one of the most wonderful devices the ingenuity of man has come up with … unless you misplace the sticky note!  This author is quite sure that he is not the only person to use and then misplace these multicolored wonders!  These sticky notes are intended to remind us of what we’re supposed to do, where we are supposed to go and what we’re supposed to pick up at the store or shopping center.  The problem is … they do no good if we lose them or forget about them!

In the same way, we all need reminders to help us keep things right and moving in the right direction!  As we approach the day known affectionately as Father’s Day, there are a few reminders that this writer needed for his own good and those he loves and has influence over as their Dad.

The Bible is so complete in every detail and provides direction, purpose and admonition for every aspect of our lives.  That should strengthen our faith in the face of living our lives and facing so many challenges, setbacks and advancements, disappointments and rewards, successes and failures!  God’s Word, the Bible, instructs a man concerning the duties every relationship.  Whether we’re talking about being a son, brother, husband, father, citizen, neighbor, and even in the treatment of his enemies, with absolutely no relationship being overlooked!  What a wonderful and caring God we have the privilege to serve!

There is one predominate truth to be found regarding men and all of their relationships and that is this:  a man cannot conduct himself so properly in one of his relationships that he can excuse himself from his duties and responsibilities in another!  Yet, how often do we try and do this very thing.  Dads, we all need to be reminded of just how important and significant our role as Dad is through God’s eyes, not the world’s!

Just about any man can become a father … but not every father will become a real dad!  As Dad, he now has added responsibilities and duties, just as he obtained when he became a husband and they must not be ignored or abdicated.

Although not exhaustive, the following is a short but comprehensive job description for a dad laid out by the original architect of our home, family and life:

  • Be the provider of the physical necessities.
  • Be the provider of the spiritual guidance and leadership.
  • Be the example of what it means to be responsible, to serve God and others.
  • Be the protector from any physical harm.
  • Be the protector from any spiritual harm.

It is at this point we would like to offer up some practical yet challenging suggestions that can help all of us dads to become even better dads:

  • Don’t squander the time you have with your kids, they will be grown up and gone before you know it!
  • Use the time you now have with them wisely and take every opportunity to love them, talk with them, do things with them, encourage them, admonish them when necessary, hold them and hug them.
  • Keep your regrets to a minimum.
  • Fulfill your good intentions.
  • Be a godly mentor of integrity, faith, trust and of all that is good and right.

A good dad has such a great opportunity to build his family up into a family that God is pleased with.  What a wonderful privilege to be entrusted with the souls of the young, but we must always remember that with every privilege comes responsibility!  There is no guarantee that our kids will turn out well and become young people and adults that love the Lord and want to serve Him above all else.  May we all remember that the Lord only expects us to give Him our best in everything we do!  Being a DAD … being a Mom is a full time responsibility.  You see … there are no coffee breaks and no vacations from being a parent!

To my own children:  please forgive me for my oversights or any times of indifference or any mistakes of which I have made many.  I am not perfect, but being human is no excuse to sin!  Pray for me that humility, wisdom and a servant-like attitude will characterize me all the remaining days of my life.  My prayer is to live the rest of my life in such a way as for the Lord to say unto me “Well done my good and faithful servant.  Enter into the joys of thy Lord”.  But I also want to live the rest of my life in such a way as for each of you to say:  “That’s my Dad!”

Bill Fairchild, Jr.

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One Response to “A Note to Self as a Dad”

  1. Tina June 16, 2016 at 3:56 pm # Reply

    That’s My Dad! And we are so proud of you daddy!

    Your example through the trials this life has brought you is unparalleled, and you have always made sure your kids were happy and living as God would have us to. We are blessed to have you, and love you so very much!

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