Their facial expressions tell the whole story. Their first reaction will range anywhere between subtle surprise to absolute horror. “You have how many children?!!?!” Once the initial shock subsides, their face gently slides to relief. But only for a moment before plunging to guilt and maybe even a little pity. “And I feel overwhelmed with two! How do you do it? You have 12??!!”
I actually have a canned response that goes something like this, “Well, first I married Superwoman. She is an unbelievably awesome wife and mother.” They usually are smiling at this point. I go on, “But really, two or 12, it doesn’t matter. We are each given a separate burden to bear. Not everyone is called to have a big family.”
Final expression= sincere admiration with a sprinkle of “You are insane!”
Yes, I truly believe being father to a family of any size is a calling directly from our Lord. A privilege and a calling. For the struggling father (which, be honest, we all are) it doesn’t seem like much of a calling when you are stretching yourself thin to make sure there is enough food on the table only to hear, “Spaghetti? Again?” It doesn’t feel like much of a privilege to have to clock overtime to replace your sons shoes every three months (will he every stop growing??). And doesn’t it get old ignoring the phone call from the guy with the heavy Indian accent that keeps calling about that payment you were sure you authorized last week (maybe that was last month, ugh!) You all know exactly what I am talking about.
Guys, being a Dad isn’t easy. And as your kids grow up, you will find it doesn’t become any easier. But allow me to send a little encouragement to your heart today.
Consider this: The Mastermind of this magnificently complex, wonderful Universe; the God who spoke and the cogs of time began to rotate with diamond precision; the Perfect all wise, loving Creator chose to share only one title with men. Specifically those who have the privilege of raising and nurturing children. A title that was initially His alone and has become the embodiment of all He is to us: Father. That is mind blowing! He is our Father, we have the privilege of being a Father.
Along with the privilege comes great responsibility. But how could we ever live up to His standard? The bar of Holy Perfection is pretty high. Pretty much impossible for us to reach alone.
In His Word He lays out a literal blueprint for His expectations for us as Dads. Look at how I treat my children and do the same, He whispers. Love unconditionally, always remember mercy, listen to their point of view, provide for all of their needs (physically, emotionally, etc), drench them with affection as only a father can but make sure to include a healthy dosage of discipline mixed with tough love. Do as I have done, He says.
Ok, here is where the encouragement comes in. He doesn’t just leave us alone with a huge to do list and abandon us to swim up current. As you struggle to be a the best Father you can, He pleads, Look to Me, your Heavenly Father, for guidance and wisdom. “I will never leave you, nor forsake you…” That is a direct quote.
Wow. Never. We are never alone. We have the assistance of the Ultimate Father at our side. With backup like that, I could raise 100 children. (Just kidding, Lord, quiver is quite full already.)