Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: Father (as in paternal parent, not God) (04/10/08)
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TITLE: True Resemblance | Previous Challenge Entry
By Bob Truesdale
04/17/08 -
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Fast forward twelve years. My son is in the Navy and learning personal responsibility and my daughter is an honor’s student in high school. I’ve done the best I could. Would I change some things if I could do it all again? You bet! But as I observe their character, sense of politeness, and respect for authority, I can stand back and say, “I could have done a lot worse!” I took the time to tickle them at night. I took them out for ice cream and taught them Biblical truths and moral values. I played sports with them until I thought I’d pass out. I was not always the most popular guy in their lives but I had a mission, and I will give an account to God one day as to how I fulfilled or failed that mission. I know a lot of parents who try to be a ‘friend’ to their kids and I believe our kids have enough friends. They need someone to look up to and be mentored by. They desire someone who has walked through the good times and rough times, while maintaining their faith. Our children need to respect authority or else they will never be able to submit to an invisible God! My kids weren’t always able to do everything their friends were doing. I don’t regret that and never will. I tried to teach them life lessons. Yes I would kid around and wrestle and play. But there were curfews and limits on the video games and use of the telephone. They often thought I was from a different planet but one day they’ll have kids of their own. We will all stand before God one day and the books will be opened. On that day I want to have my Father say I showed my children real love. Unconditional love. Tough love at times, yes, but real. When I was overbearing, I’d apologize. When they thought I was unreasonable, my wife would help me see their perspective afterward. Was I always fair? No. Always right? Hardly. But one thing I hope they will always realize; love isn’t cheap or easy and parenting is one of the most honorable and challenging callings we can fulfill.
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