Getting ready for kid number two in a few months has me reminiscing about fatherhood. So I thought I would take a moment and share about how God prepared me for fatherhood the first go round.
My preparation for fatherhood began when I was a child watching my own father. I was gifted to have a strong and capable dad. I learned so much from him, even when he wasn’t looking. I must have been a really good student of my father, because I catch myself saying things and acting just like him. And that’s not bad, because I really love my dad and feel blessed to be his son. I wonder if he knew he was teaching me about being a father?
Then there was the day that a friend of mine told me that he and his wife were going to have a baby. We were memorizing scripture together and so we turned our hearts to Psalm 127. We discussed the meaning of the Psalm and that day Psalm 127 began teaching me that children are a blessing. Though I was young, unmarried, and a long way from fatherhood, God used that psalm to shape my life. I longed for the day that I would be a dad.
Along the way my job has afforded me the opportunity to watch parents in action. I have been blessed to see some great parenting from discipline to discipleship. I’ve learned a lot through the years by partnering with parents in student ministry.
Yet, nothing could have prepared me for the day when I was told I was going to be a dad. In our marriage, it was something Avia and I were hoping for, but not exactly planning on quite so soon. Yet there we were, newly-weds, five-months into marriage and Avia became aware that all was not as it used to be and took a special trip to the doctor.
One Wednesday night I came home to see my wife and in my chair there was a little teddy bear holding a pregnancy test. Tears filled her eyes and then mine and then I quoted Psalm 127. We were nervous. We didn’t know what parenthood would be like, but we knew this was a blessing from God.
Nine months later I held my little girl in my arms for the first time. I held her up and quoted this same Psalm over her and prayed and thanked the Lord for this blessing in our lives. Then I dedicated her to the Lord and asked for guidance to be a godly father.
“Unless the LORD builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain. It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil; for he gives to his beloved sleep. Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one’s youth. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate.” (Psalms 127:1-5 ESV)
The Hill House 
Wow, you bible-thumpers are real sickos, aren’t you.
I hope, for her sake, your daughter disowns you and your silly delusions. And, for the sake of the rest of us, PLEASE stop reproducing. It’s not very nice.
-J
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I used to hate Christians. My dad was a pastor too and I did disown his beliefs. I was bitter. It was pain that motivated me to hate.
Even when I hated God, He still loved me. One day I found peace with God through Jesus who died not only for my sins, but the sins that were done against me. I found forgiveness and the ability to forgive.
I appreciate your comments. You have a right to your opinion. I used to say similar things to a few choice people along the way. My story is located in a few blog posts that can be referenced in the “About Me” section of this blog.
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Wow your number 1 comments was interesting. If she is so anti-Christ: I was wondering why she was even on your website. Well at least she was looking. Maybe some of it will hit home.
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Judith,
I will pray for you regarding the anger that is very evident in your comment towards Jonathan. God can take that heart of bitterness and hate and replace it with a heart of love and compassion. I’m sure you thought you were venting and making yourself feel better when you made that comment, but truth be known, it didn’t work, did it? Search the Bible for yourself and come to know the only One who can truly relieve you of that pain.
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Fatherhood gets to you man. The blog title caught my eye so I thought I would take a look. I couldn’t agree more. Being the father of my son Micah is the hardest job to do, but the easiest job to love. early mornings, late nights, teething, and the constant need for attention…The best thing (next to my salvation and marriage) that’s ever happened to me. Thanks for your thoughts, very uplifting.
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Fatherhood is one of the highest callings God can place on a man’s life.
Talk about God trusting a man with such great responsibility! Something no man should ever take lightly.
Thanks for your insights.
Jeff
http://www.mybowsandarrows.wordpress.com
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Jonathan,
It’s wonderful to hear of a man who loves his wife and child the way he’s supposed to love them…the way God intended. My children had a different kind of dad…and it is very heartbreaking to me, even today, to know the pain they endured. I’ve written a book about our experiences and hope to publish it one day…my hope is that other dads will become aware…and if changes need to be made, that they’ll make them.
Blessings to you and your family ~
Danita Clark Able
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Stumbled upon your blog doing some research on goal setting – will get back to you on that one later – side tracked to this page as being a great parent has been one of my goals. If you haven’t already seen this blog, I figured you’d enjoy it! http://lettersformydaughters.com/
🙂
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excuse me if I am wrong but why do we fight over something so sweet and emotional as having a caring dad. if you wish to ignore preachings,just do it but why sour this moving post with bitterness?
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