Yesterday was Father's Day. Fathers all over the country were honored by their families for all that they are and all that they do. No man becomes a good father instinctively. I certainly didn't! Men become the fathers that they are by being taught. They learn, I learned, from the example of their own fathers and they learn from the example of other fathers in their life.
It takes a "Man" to be a father. I know, some of you are probably saying "Duh! No kidding! Really?" What I mean is that any man can father a child. But, it takes a "Man" to be a "Dad", and A MAN STANDS UP! That's it in a nutshell...A Man Stands Up!
A MAN STANDS UP when he learns that his wife is pregnant with his child. He loves her, supports her and lovingly cares for her. A man provides his wife and unborn child what's needed, physically and emotionally. A man marries the mother of his children. Way too many men walk away and abandon their responsibilities where their spouse and children are concerned.
A MAN STANDS UP when his family is threatened financially and the bills pile up and there's more money going out than is coming in. A man stays and works through financial difficulties with his wife for the sake of his child or children. A man does what he has to do to provide for his family.
A MAN STANDS UP when his family is threatened by the evils of this world. A man does what he has to do to protect his family from the evils of the world. There are so many dangers that lurk and threaten a family. Drugs and the evils that they cause, both inside the home and outside. Alcoholism and all the evils that it brings. A man exercises self control and keeps himself clean and sober so he can provide protection for his family.
A MAN STANDS UP when sickness or death strikes without warning. Despite what he may feel, a man must remain strong and provide support for his family when a spouse or a child becomes seriously ill or worse, dies. He must reassure his family by being strong and in control of his emotions and he must continue to provide for his family whatever is needed and to work with his family to get through these difficult times.
In short, A MAN STANDS UP! No one gets this done perfectly! Most of us are making it up as we go along. A man stays for the long haul and does the best he can. A wise man once said that 90 percent of life is just showing up. A man shows up!
A Man also is the stiritual leader of the family. Showing God's love to his wife and children. Bringing them to worship not just taking them there and dropping them off. He minds what he says and How he says it to show and be an example of good behavior. A Man tells Bible stories or reads them to his children, leads prayers and in so doing is the spiritual leader at home. You do all of this and more and I am proud to be your wife.
ReplyDeleteAmen! I don't know what I would do without my husband. I really think that we have a really good partnership - we figure things out together and he's so good with the kids. They adore him.
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