6/19/2020
Desk of Dennis Piller
Fathers Day: Treasures of a Single Parent
I was reading the story from a small book call “Moments of Fabulous Fathers” by Robert Strand. He told a story of this little guy whose mother had died when he was just an infant and how his father was raising him as both as mommy and dad. They were planning on a special outing just the two of them. Finalizing their plans they packed a picnic lunch together, excitement was through the roof… anticipating, and it was time for bed. But this little guy just couldn’t sleep. He tossed and turned being so excited about tomorrow. He finally jumped up and ran into his father’s bedroom. His dad was already half asleep and he shook him. What are you doing up? I can’t sleep daddy, replied the excited boy! Why? … Daddy, I am really excited about tomorrow. Well, I’m sure you are, but if you don’t get some sleep, tomorrow it won’t be as much fun. So, run back down the hall and get some sleep son.
So he shrugged off down the hall, got into bed and before long, sleep came. Sadly, not for the little boy but for the dad. His dad, felling these tiny arms pushing and shoving to awaken him, was startled. But before angry words could fall out of his mouth… he saw in his sons eyes the absence of a mother, long gone and the loneliness of a trial too long without her tender loving touch. Then he felt his slender arms around his neck and he heard the words… daddy, I just wanted to thank you for tomorrow.
WOW what a Champion!
That Dad has his finger on the heartbeat of his son. I believe the Holy Spirit had his finger on the heart of that dad. Ephesians 6:4 makes this a command: “Fathers’ do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.” We shouldn’t flip out on irrelevant, silly piety (exasperating them). But we should make sure they are both trained and instructed to live the life of a champion for Christ.
This is your day… Dads’ It is your moment in the spotlight to receive some of those well-deserved thank you’ s and accolades along with the grace to forget me short-tempered flare up’s.
But, let this Father’s Day go deeper for you this year. Make a covenant with your Father God as you spend time honoring Him for EVERYTHING He has given you through grace and mercy. That you will start to pray more with your children, still at home or grown. Make Christ more of a focal point in your conversations. Use this online church time to discuss what the Pastor spoke about in a round table discussion. Make some changes to really raise your kids in the fear and admonition of the lord. It’s never too late. And if you don’t have any children at home any more… God will grant you some others you know through friends you have.
Children may not hear what you say. But they will believe what you do. Colossians 3:21-23 fathers, do not provoke your children lest they become discouraged. Whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men. Proverbs 17:27 The one who has knowledge uses words with restraint, and whoever has understanding is even-tempered.
Oceans Where Feet may Fall
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ga3DmPRPAQQ
