it's tough being a Dad

It’s tough being a Dad. Conscientious fathers will beat themselves up for their mistakes. But kids don’t need perfect fathers, just one’s that will keep trying to love their children the very best they can and be honest about their shortcomings. I know because I am not a perfect Dad, either. Nor, did I have a perfect Dad.

I always called my father, Dad. Not because he was my “good buddy” but because I knew he loved me and I loved him.

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My Dad was a strict disciplinarian who always demanded my respect and obedience. At times, he would quickly lose his temper. This was frustrating to a child but I never doubted his love nor was I ever afraid that he would hurt me. Home was a safe, secure haven. I never feared that one day I might come home and Mom or Dad would be gone. They would always be there for me.

I always admired Dad because he was a good and honest man. He treated people right. He worked hard. He loved our family. We had good times together. He brought us to church and in later years he served well as an elder in the church. He was proud of me, supported and encouraged me.

Though my Dad made mistakes, I don’t remember him ever admitting any of his mistakes but he was always penitent. I saw him mature. He became a great man of God in my eyes. I was proud of him. He meant so much to me. I am glad he was my Dad.

Dad was not God. He was not perfect. He was not extraordinary. He was a man who loved me the best he knew how. I am so thankful for my Dad.
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“Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. ‘Honor your father and mother,’ which is the first commandment with promise: ‘that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth.’ And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:1-4).