Ordinary Fathers

On June 16th families across America will celebrate dads.  What May is to moms, June is to dads. 

I am thankful to God for my dad.  My dad is a man of integrity, Christian faith, and love.  He sets a follow-worthy example. 

I am thankful for my father-in-law who loves his son and two daughters today as he has for all of their lives - in such a way that they know they are cherished. 

I am thankful to be a father.  For just over 18 years God has blessed me with the gift of fatherhood.  I strive to set a follow-worthy example.  I show and express love to my daughter and two sons so that they know they are cherished.

For fathers, living the Ordinary Life involves modeling faith and showing (and expressing) love.  Our children will certainly remember the fun adventures and spectacular moments.  Yet, in the long run, those adventures and moments are not the things that really matter most.  Fatherhood, done well, is a day-to-day endeavor. 
It sounds like . . .

"I love you."
"I am proud of you."
"Thank you."
"You can do it!"
"I love your mother."
     and
"I'm sorry."

It looks like . . .

a man cheering in the stands.
a man grinning ear-to-ear as his daughter dances.
a man teaching his child how to ride a bike.
a man showing his son how to shave.
a man hugging his child when tears of rejection flow.
a man helping his wife as they wash dishes together.
a man demonstrating how to make the perfect S'more.

One of my favorite accounts in Scripture details the occasion of Jesus' baptism.  Luke records it as follows . . .

Luke 3:21-22 (NIV)
21 When all the people were being baptized, Jesus was baptized too. And as he was praying, heaven was opened
22 and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.”

Notice the chapter number - 3.  Notice, at that point, Jesus had not yet taught, healed, or performed a miracle of any kind.  So early in the gospel story and before any record of Jesus' accomplishments, God the Father said to His son - "You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.”

What a difference that surely made.
Jesus had the supreme follow-worthy example.
Jesus knew that He was cherished.

On June 16th celebrate dads.  As you do, know that you are loved and cherished.

1 John 3:1a (NIV)
See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!

#ordinarylives