Saturday, March 2, 2013

The Faith of Fatherhood


Today has been a treasure of memories.  It actually started early in 25 degree weather, bundled up for a run.  But it wasn't any ordinary run. This was a scheduled 5K event I knew was coming down the pike; however, due to the fact that I wasn't entirely ready for it, I was somewhat dreading the day.  But the experience was far more worth it than I could have thought because I got to run with my nearly 11 year old son.  He started off with some friends, but due to some breathing problems, he lagged behind and I caught up with him.  He needed to walk for a while to regain his normal rhythm of breath, so we slowed down together and ultimately crossed the finish line with a heavy sprint. Of course, he passed me up with my voice yelling at him, "Run...run...run!"  He's my champion, and I'm so very proud of him.
The evening began with a daddy/daughter date night.  My beautiful 9 year old and I headed out for a movie with a trip for some frozen yogurt to top it off.  But the night got even more special when my precious girl asked if we could take a walk in the mall, not to look in any stores, but just to walk together.  So, hand-in-hand we went.  And, I could feel my heart beating special affection with the gift of parental love. 
It's in these times that I get overwhelmed with the knowledge of what makes my life rich: time spent with those I love and those who love me.  And, my faith grows...in who God made me to be and what He's called me to do.  The faith of fatherhood is actually believing that what a dad does really matters!  Hey, guys...nothing replaces the honor of filling a role only we can fill, and doing it on purpose!  It's just a good reminder to stop the mechanics long enough to feel what I felt again today - the privilege of being a dad.  And, that alone can stir up the faith to really be and do all the Father has designed for us!

What exercise of the heart can you engage in that has the potential of stirring up the "faith" again?

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