Being Dad

Here is my column for tomorrow:

I love being a dad.


Our two boys are a blessing to me daily. David is two years old. He is playful, affectionate, and a little stubborn. Of course he gets that attribute from his mom. He loves to play outside. He loves to play with his trains. A common phrase heard around the house is, “Build me a track daddy.” He likes to be the steam engines and I get to be the diesel engines. He loves to run around in his diapers. His favorite food is Kraft Macaroni and Cheese. Yeah, the stuff out of the blue box. High in value and low in nutrition.

Benjamin is eight years old. He likes to play soccer. He enjoys playing Club Penguin on the computer. He was recently elected mayor of his third grade class. He doesn’t like homework and isn’t terribly fond of school. He likes playing tricks on me. He is in Cub Scouts. His favorite activity is sitting in front of a campfire with marshmallows, chocolate, and graham crackers. Again, not much nutrition, but good value.

I have gained a glimpse of what God must be like through being a parent.

• I love both boys the same. They are different. But I couldn’t imagine loving one more than the other.
• I celebrate when they celebrate.
• When they suffer, I suffer.
• I want what is best for them, even if that means saying “no” or “not yet.”
• I enjoy it when they want to be in my presence. I love not just being near them, but being with them.
• I am willing and usually able to help them, if they allow me to work in their lives.
• No matter what they have done or what they will do, I can’t imagine not forgiving them.

I try to be a good dad. My imperfection gets in the way of me being too good. God’s perfection allows Him to be a loving parent that I only have a small glimpse of. Because of this glimpse, I do know this: through God’s love, grace, and power we are adopted, accepted, and forgiven.

Starting September 13th, we will begin a new series called: Living God’s Dream. Much like I have dreams for my children, God has dreams for us. Dreams that will give us the contentment and fulfillment that I have been talking about over the last three weeks. I invite you to join us on this four week journey of discovering and implementing the principles and practices that God dreams of for His children.

In Christ,

Craig