Today’s Verse
“Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.” – Ephesians 6:4, NIV
Nathan couldn’t remember the last time he hadn’t felt stressed over his job. The company he was working for had just gone through a round of layoffs. Although his job was spared for now, he knew his department would be the one evaluated next.
But he still looked at the camping flyer. It was designed to be an all-boys camp that would be filled with father-son bonding opportunities. He wanted to go, but he worried about missing work.
His wife smiled, “Whatever happens, God will provide for us. Go on this trip. Ryan’s almost twelve. He’s not going to be little forever.”
Nathan finally decided to go and went camping with his son. But it wasn’t the fishing or the hiking trails; he enjoyed most. “With so much time together, Ryan opened up to me. I got to see life from his perspective.”
It also gave Nathan a chance to understand more about his son’s personality. “He and I are total opposites. I never realized that’s why I had so much difficulty parenting him until that trip. Now that I understand more about his personality, I’m approaching my parenting from a different perspective.”
Now, Nathan makes it a priority to take time each day to check in with his son. “Even just talking for a few minutes before bed can make a big difference in influencing your kids for God.”
Prayer
God, thank You for all the godly fathers out in the world. Please strengthen and encourage them. Show them how to lead and love their kids. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
