It Takes A Dad

In 1996 Hillary wrote, "It Takes A Village" to raise a child. Ten years later Rick responded to that by writing, "It Takes A Family". Although Rick is absolutely right I would like to add, "It Takes A Dad" to be invested, interested, and interactive in his children.

Dads affirm their kids when they care enough to take the time to hang out with them. 

 Even though I helped my Mom when I was a kid, nothing helped me feel more important than when my Dad gave me a job.

Small boys become big men through the influence of big men who care about small boys.

 We have all been influenced by our fathers who in turn were influenced by their fathers. The following pictures are old photos of our fathers and grandfathers.

 This is Jan's grandfather Karl and his twin brother Kurt. Yes, our family also has a Kurt and Karl. They were born 100 years and 2 months later than these two. Jan's grandfather Karl was more quiet and thoughtful while his twin brother Kurt liked to do pranks and play jokes on folks. Now how did we ever get their namesakes named right at birth?

 This is my grandfather Bill and his wife Tina. As a boy at their house I remember cigars, strawberries, asparagus, sea shells, and flowers.

 This is Jan's father at a plowing match. He has often told me that he got third place nationally in 1947 because he left one weed standing. I wonder what those judges back then would think of no-till today.

 This is my Dad and Mom in 1956 with their firstborn son. They would have been 22 and 23 years old at the time. Poor parents. Must have been tough having such a funny looking child. :) Happy Fathers Day Dad.

 This picture was probably taken in the mid-1990s. I was blessed to have a Godly father. I have been blessed by being a father that God has helped. And I have been blessed by watching our children be Godly fathers and mothers. Our family has so many birthdays in June and I have forgotten most of them. So a late Happy Birthday to Stacy, Elliott, Rachael, Elijah, and an early birthday greeting to Emily.  

Now I'm blessed to watch my grandkids grow up and try and act just like their fathers by trying to follow in their father's and mother's footsteps.

Today our countries social culture is experiencing kids that are living disfunctional lives because those kids are suffering the consequences of their father's poor choices and lack of time for them.

Some of you have lost your own father or the father of your children recently and are experiencing an empty spot today. Some of you lost your dad many years ago and have had that empty spot on Father's Day for some time. 

Jan and I attended her 40 year class reunion last evening. Wow. 40 years out of high school. Many of us left high school full of plans. Some of us left with very few plans. Fortunately for me God had a plan that included having a wife, kids, grandkids, friends, and an occupation that I couldn't have even dreamed about.  

As we continue down the road of life God tells us dads in 1 Peter 5:2-4 to be shepherds of those that He has put in our care, serving, not because we must but because we are willing. Not greedy but eager to serve. Not lording it over but being examples. Finally He promises us a crown of glory that will never fade away. Have a good week.