Being a Dad

Quick note: We are on week 6 of our 7.5 part Song of Solomon "Exposed" Series. This week: FIGHTING. The title is, "I Love You and I Hate You." Conflict is a staple of marriage... really of any relationship. Conflict is not the problem. It's how we handle conflict. Good couples are not couples that don't fight; they are couples that fight well. Jesus can teach us to fight well. (There's a title you probably won't ever hear... "Jesus can teach you how to really fight.") Hope to see you Sunday to talk about it...

Here's some quotes I've come upon recently (in this month's Christianity Today)that were especially meaningful to being a Dad... of all the hats I wear, this is by far my favorite. I am convinced that fathering is the greatest thing I am doing for the cause of Gospel.

It is much easier to become a father than to be one.  Kent Nerburn, Letters to My Son:  Reflections on Becoming a Man

I Confess to thee that I am not worthy to rock the little babe or wash its diapers, or to be entrusted with the care of the child and its mother . . . O how gladly will I do so, though the duties should be even more insignificant and despised.  Neither frost nor heat, neither drudgery nor labor, will distress or dissuade me, for I am certain that it is thus pleasing in his sight.  Martin Luther, Luther’s Works

A Full Night’s Sleep, time to oneself, the freedom to come and go as one
pleases – all this must be given up . . . Huge chunks of life are laid down at the behest of infants.  And then, later, parents must let go.  Elizabeth Deryer

If a child lives with criticism, he learns to condemn.
If a child lives with hostility, he learns to fight.
If a child lives with ridicule, he learns to be shy.
If a child lives with shame, he learns to feel guilty.
If a child lives with tolerance, he learns to be patient.
If a child lives with encouragement, he learns confidence.
If a child lives with praise, he learns to appreciate.
If a child lives with fairness, he learns justice.
If a child lives with security, he learns to have faith.
If a child lives with approval, he learns to like himself.
If a child lives with acceptance and friendship, he learns to find love in the world.

We have said that children must honor their parents as the natural and therefore the closest representatives of God.  I should consider it unreasonable and dangerous to invert this proposition and to say that parents should feel and act toward their children as God’s representatives.  Karl Barth, Church Dogmatics, Vol. III, Part 4

(These great pictures by our new Summit friend Kimberly Naranjo at Evolve Photography Studios here in RDU!)

Comments

[Bill]

I see you read Christianity Today as well!

T minus 3 months until I'm a dad...can't wait!!