Father's Day (Yes I Know I'm a Week Late)

Okay so I'm a week late on my Father's Day post but in good news I didn't actually forget Father's Day I just forgot to write about it. There's been a lot going on- you'll have to cut me some slack.

Fathers aren't perfect. 

Think about Biblical fathers for a moment. 

Adam was the first man and therefore the first father. One of his son's killed the other so there's a legacy. Yikes!

David is one of the most highly revered men in the Bible but have you read the accounts of his kids? They were a mess. I mean seriously, you think your kids are messed up? Go read about his, you'll feel better. 

Even Joseph, the step-father of Jesus, was by all accounts, a really amazing guy. But when Jesus was twelve and the family went to Jerusalem Joseph and Mary didn't know Jesus had stayed behind for three days. That wouldn't exactly win him any father-of-the-year awards today, would it?

The thing with Father's is they don't have to be perfect. So here's my advice to dads. 

1. Be there. Even if you can't be there physically for some reason find a way to be there for your kids. Video chat, phone calls, letters, whatever. Find a way to be there for your kids. And don't stop being there for them just because they turn eighteen and move out. The best dads are the ones who's kids know that they'll always be there for them, no matter how far away they might be or how old the kid is.

2. Let them know you love them. No matter what happens or what they do, always make sure your kids know how much you love them. Trust me, love covers many sins. The Bible tells us so. 1 Peter 4:8

3. When you make mistakes, and you will, try to do it differently the next time. Kids are humans too and like any relationship we appreciate it when, if you mess up, you say you're sorry and try to do better the next time. 

4. Pray for them. Like any relationship the very best thing that you can do for your kids is pray for them and also, teach them a relationship with Christ and for them to pray also. 

So why can I give advice to fathers? Because, while he may not be perfect, I have an amazing dad who has always been there, has always let me know he loves me, has made mistakes but has tried to do better in the future and who has and continues to pray for me. Thanks Dad for being you. And thanks to all the dads out there who are working hard to be there and be better men for their kiddos. Happy Father's Day! Even if it is a week late.