There was about 5 months of my life I thought I would never be a father much less get to celebrate Father’s Day. My wife had tested positive for the gene for Huntington’s disease and we had made the decision not to have children of our own. My faith as a Wesleyan pastor, Christian, and husband had never been tested so severely. 11 years, 1 healing, and 3 kids later that time of my life seems like a distant memory. I’ve only got one shot at this so here’s what I’m doing to be a godly father.
1. I will put my phone/computer/ipad down. I connect so easily with everyone online while neglecting the child sitting next to me. This ends today. It’s not enough to here. I must be present and aware.
2. I will keep my relationship with God front and center. I will seek Him daily for renewal and cleansing. I will beg him to purify my heart because a father with a corrupt heart can’t lead his children to the King.
3. I will love their mother more than any other human being on the planet. I will not betray her with my thoughts, eyes, or actions. I will honor her and love her as Christ loves the church.
4. I will be active with my kids. I will wrestle them, tickle them, and jump on the trampoline with them. To do this, I must honor God and love my children through healthy living, eating, and exercise.
5. I will enjoy this adventure with my family. We will laugh together, cry together, and experience new things together. I will make the most of every moment and not take for granted the blessings God has given me. I will remember those 5 months…and I will remember that every day is a gift and a miracle.
Great father’s day creed, brother. The first one I needed to hear.