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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: Father (as in paternal parent, not God) (04/10/08)
“They’ll never look like me,” I whispered to myself as I tiptoed out of my kids’ room. One year prior, I married a single mother of two. I was a selfish bachelor and it was a major adjustment! I wasn’t planning on kids of my own, let alone somebody else’s. God had a different plan. I used to walk quietly into their rooms at night and just look at them. “Holy cow this is a lot of responsibility!” I would think. At first it disappointed me they would never have my red hair, my laugh, or any of my facial features. Then one night as I tiptoed out, the Holy Spirit softly whispered to my spirit, “They can look like you in far more important ways, like character.” Wow! It struck me that it was far more important that they reflect the character of Christ in me, as opposed to just looking like me on the outside. The latter will die with the flesh but the former will have a major impact on eternity, both for themselves and hopefully others.

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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Member Comments
Member
Date
Lisa Holloway
04/18/08
Good thoughts in here. A couple of paragraphs are a little on the long side, but the experiences you describe are easy to identify with.
Beth LaBuff 
04/19/08
Wow! Your children were blessed to have you in their life. You made a difference and unselfishly chose to have them resemble Christ rather than yourself. Amazing thought! Your title is perfect. I like the devotional nature of this.