The following was shared with us by one of our male volunteers. We thought it was timely, as we look ahead to Father’s Day soon, to hear from a dad on what it is like to be a dad. His words are extremely encouraging to any man out there who is afraid of becoming a dad for the first time (or maybe even the second or third time!).
Seth is also a pastor at a local church. If you have questions about becoming a dad – or just need to talk to another man – Seth is available to talk to you. Just schedule an appointment and we can arrange a time for you to get encouragement and answers from him.
I’m Going to Be a Dad!
I can remember it like it was yesterday, the feeling I had when my wife told me she was pregnant. I was excited, terrified, confused, terrified, anxious, terrified…you get the point. I was just 23 years old, hadn’t been to college, and was now about to be a father. Did I mention I was terrified?
I quickly learned that my son was coming, whether I was ready or not. I couldn’t halt his growth with my fear or stop his development with my procrastination. I read books about development stages and parenting strategies – yet still felt like I wasn’t ready. It wasn’t until I realized that I couldn’t be a perfect father, that I became comfortable with the idea of being a father. I didn’t have to know everything or read every book to be a father – I just had to love my wife and my son. I realized that love compels us to action. If I simply focused on my love for my wife and my son, then that love would help me make decisions that demonstrated my love to them.
I didn’t have to DO anything except BE a father.
There is No Such Thing as the Perfect Dad
I stopped trying to be him long ago. But, I do pursue being the best father I can be. Where I find my best inspiration is in the Bible. When I see how God interacts with His children I see a Perfect Father. I see how love, discipline, devotion, mercy, sympathy, compassion, strength and sacrifice come together in a perfect example for me to follow. While I can’t be a perfect father, I can follow my Perfect Father in hopes of being changed day to day by Him. His love for me compels my love for my family.
Through faith in Jesus we have been adopted, chosen by God, to be His children. It is only through the love that we have experienced in Christ that we are able to love others. Without Jesus, I can’t love my wife and children as I should. As I grow in my relationship with Jesus the more I realize love is manly. Love is the engine that powers a life of sacrifice, devotion and strength that is required to be a dad.
You can’t be a perfect dad, but you can experience the love of a Perfect Father through Jesus Christ. Do you know Him?
It’s ok. You can’t be a perfect Dad. But you can BE a Dad, full of love and demonstrating that love on a daily basis.
Want to talk to someone? We can help!
