I remember being over a friend’s house watching an NBA game several years ago, and the Cleveland Cavs were playing the Indiana Pacers. The Cavs trailed most of the game until the fourth quarter, when LeBron James took over. As we were sitting there on the couch watching LeBron score two of his 44 points, I started to hear a constant pounding throughout the home. I looked over my left shoulder, and it was my friend’s son running through the house with perfect form and technique.
He ran up to his father and said, “Daddy… I don’t know how to do this.”
It was pre-algebra (OMG! Who gives their students pre-algebra in the 5th grade?). The basketball game was in its closing minute and a half when my friend picked up his son and carried him up the stairs to help him with his homework. LeBron ended the game with a buzzer-beating 3-pointer to give Cleveland a 98-95 win.
It was amazing that my friend would ignore the final minutes of a game to help his son. This loving action had me thinking, and I wanted to understand his thought process in making that decision.
I asked him, “Why didn’t you wait a minute and a half to help your son?”
He replied, “A minute and a half of self-satisfaction cannot compare to the needs of my son. He is my greatest investment.”
WOW! I was left speechless.
We continuously hear the statistics or stories about men who abandon their children, but what about the millions of fathers who do not?
My friend’s action helped me realized that a real dad is not about making corny jokes, telling embarrassing stories, or even sharing the same DNA. It’s being an example. It’s teaching his children who they are and affirming who they are.
A real father is someone who truly loves you not just with his words but also with his efforts. Click To Tweet
- A real father understands that he is human and will admit his mistakes when he is wrong.
- A real father will always be protective and he will let you grow while making sure you do not stray too far off course.
- A real father will provide what is important to you while teaching you responsibility and values.
- A real father is proud of your victories, but when things go wrong, he is patient, helpful, and reliable.
The title FATHER is one of the greatest titles in the world. Therefore, if you have a real father who loves you, you have one special, unique and unequaled gift!
With that being said, many of us approach Father’s Day with mixed emotions. Like my friend’s son, some of us have fathers who are available and interested in our lives. However, some individuals have fathers that are somewhat distant and disinterested. And then there are the fathers who have passed away or are incarcerated. But one thing we all have in common, no matter what kind of father we have or had, we have a “Real Father” in Heaven. And regardless of how your father on earth has treated you, you have a “Real Father” in Heaven who has always been there for you and will still be there for you.
The Bible says that God is a “father of the fatherless” (Psalm 68:5). It also says:
1 Corinthians 8:6
Yet for us there is one God, the Father, from whom are all things and for whom we exist, and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things and through whom we exist.
Psalm 103:13
As a father shows compassion to his children, so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear him.
So…, to all the fathers out there, whether you are someone’s biological father, stepfather, or some type of father figure, please know that you are appreciated. If nobody else seems to appreciate you, at least know that I do. You are leaving a great legacy.
Here are five scriptures to equip you for fatherhood:
- Proverbs 22:6
Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it. - Ephesians 6:4
Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. - Proverbs 23:24
The father of the righteous will greatly rejoice; he who fathers a wise son will be glad in him. - Psalm 127:3-5
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. - Colossians 3:21
Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged.
Have a Happy Father’s Day!