Queenies Little Kingdom

What makes a great dad?  For some, it might be one who works hard and makes a great salary to provide for his family.  Another could be a dad who goes outside and throws balls around with his kids.  Or maybe a great dad is someone who never yells at his kids or scolds them when they make a mistake.  Who decides?  Isn't every family different?  Every dad?  Every child?

Genesis 18:19 – "For I have chosen him, so that he will direct his children and his household after him to keep the way of the LORD by doing what is right and just, so that the LORD will bring about for Abraham what he has promised him."

Dad's carry a heavy weight of responsibility.  No one can shoulder the jobs of a father (much like, the mother) in the same way he can.  No one can love a child like a father and no one can replace one that is lost.  The relationship a father has with his children is special and unique.  One specifically ordained by God.

Psalm 103:13 – "As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him."

Our world is full of fatherless children and adults.  I can't tell you exactly who my father is.  Part of the confusion growing up was WHO was my real dad.  I had a dad that I thought was my dad (George) and when my parents divorced my mom pretty much removed him from my life.  Years later, she remarried and I gained a step-dad (Bill).  For most of my growing up it was Bill who carried the responsibility of being my dad.  He never once acted like he didn't want the job or didn't care for me.  So, in my eyes…God provided a father to love me even if my real father didn't.

Still….I knew being a dad was more important than just stepping in and picking up where someone else left off.

As a young adult, I was confused about my future.  Probably no more than any other young person.  I had choices but knowing which one was best for me was difficult to decide.  I prayed for God to guide me (in spite of my own foolishness) and I believe that's exactly what he did.  I met and married my husband within 6 months.  Risky, really risky.  I wouldn't suggest it.  Today, I know that it was a destiny totally orchestrated by God.

 I can't take the credit for being that wise.  

Up until marrying, I couldn't settle my heart and mind on any one thing.  Especially picking a life mate.  But I knew that my future was very important and I also knew that it involved having my own family.  I didn't want some fragmented broken up willy-nilly family.  I wanted one that was healthy and whole with no secrets or shame.  I was clearly focused on accomplishing that and I prayed that my future husband was as well.

Maybe that's how I knew…it felt right.

For the last 23 years I've shared my life with just the man God had for me.  The one I prayed for and the one I knew would be a Godly father to our kids.  Don't get me wrong, he has flaws and so do I for that matter.  There's no way around either of us being a little imperfect.  But the foundation is solid and the goals set high.  Both of us want the same things for our family.  We see the prize at the end of the journey and we feel blessed to be partners along the way.

I know our kids are better people because we kept our family together and trudged through hard times.

Proverbs 14:26 – "Whoever fears the LORD has a secure fortress, and for their children it will be a refuge."

Lately, I've felt like my kids liked their dad more than me.  I know that's crazy thinking but I'm just being honest.  I watch them slurp up every moment with him (sometimes, I even feel jealous) as if they've missed years of time with him (which they haven't).  I listen to their conversations (if they allow it) and I understand what it must be like to have a father like him.  He's everything.  He's smart, hardworking, fun, trustworthy, reliable and he genuinely cares about every aspect of their lives.  There isn't anything our kids can't say or do that changes his feelings about them (Don't you just love UNCONDITIONAL love?).  I am so grateful for a husband like that.

Proverbs 23:24 – "The father of a righteous child has great joy; a man who fathers a wise son rejoices in him."

For the man God so lavishly placed in my life so long ago….I pay honor to him today.  Thank you Don, for being a wonderful father and example to not only our kids but to me…a wayward child.  I know now that families can be healthy, happy and live victoriously even if everything isn't perfect.  You are the world's best dad!  I LOVE YOU!

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY

Joshua 24:15 – "But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD."