If you’ve been a father for very long, you’ve heard one of your children say, “Dad, I remember you telling me…” And strangely, you may have no more than a dim memory of having said it. They were words that didn’t really register as they were coming out but, for whatever reason, they sure did register coming in.
Maybe it was a stray memory you shared while you were out fishing together or running weekend errands. Maybe it was a harsh critique of the way they were performing a task or treating a sibling. Maybe it wasn’t even something you were saying to them directly, but they were around, they heard it, they remember it.
Most dads don’t think of themselves as men of powerful, memorable words. But… we are. All of us.
So on this day of celebration, enjoy the cards and the phone calls, act surprised at the necktie and the nail care kit, doze in and out of the U.S. Open on television. But also take the chance to say some special things to your children, wherever they may be.
King Solomon wrote of his father, David, “For I was my father’s son—He taught me also, and said unto me, Let thine heart retain my words: keep my commandments and live.’” (Proverbs 4:3–4). Don’t let everything your children remember you saying be offhand and incidental. Make a point of telling them what your heart really wants to say.
Pray this prayer: Heavenly Father, I want to be a dad who instructs and inspires my children the way you inspire me. Help me teach my children based on your Word that they may also mature in godliness.—-From “Game Plan For Life”, (Scripture reference changed to KJV)
