Fatherhood
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Fatherhood
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Benoni Bulletin June 18, 2006 "Fatherhood""Fatherhood"The TV Funny man, Bill Cosby, has written a number of books. My daughter, Stacey, gave me a copy of his book entitled Fatherhood, and since this Lord's day is also called "Father's Day," I thought it might be appropriate to scan this book for some "modern parenting ideas." Isaiah, the prophet, said, "Fathers tell their children about your [God's] faithfulness" (Isaiah 38:19). And that was eight hundred years before Christ came. Paul said, "Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord" (Ephesians 6:4). Being a dad is a challenging responsibility, because when a man takes it seriously, he is "standing in" for God in his family. He has to guide, protect and mold little lives into responsible and Godly adults. From the moment the arrival of the first baby is announced, the paternal instinct is stirred. There lies ahead the daunting venture of raising teenagers and turning them into people. Finally, there comes the perplexing ambivalence of watching them leave the nest. Stacey wrote on the flyleaf of Cosby's book that she saw reminiscences of me in Cosby in the typical domestic array of events he describes. Then she went on to adapt a Cosby aphorism to herself, she quotes, "You brought me into this world and you could take me out (chuckle) but thanks for keeping me!" Those of you who know li'l Stace, might remember that when she was around, you had to hold on to your hat!! There never was a dull moment!! Cosby says, "I must admit I did ask God to give me a son because I wanted someone to carry on the family name. Well, God did just that and now I confess there have been times when I've told my son not to reveal who he is!" Ever felt that way about your offspring? Another quote from Cosby fits the more modern scene--"this is the hardest truth for a father to learn that his children are continuously growing up and moving away from him (until, of course, they move back in)". Leaving Cosby for a moment, others have also made some insightful observations. The comedian, Bob Hope, said, "Like any father, I have moments when I wonder whether I belong to the children or they belong to me!" Charles Wadsworth notes, "By the time a man realises that maybe his father was right, he usually has a son who thinks he is wrong!" Ha! Jack Elway, father of a famous American football player (a quarterback), says, "First, John Elway (the quarterback) was my son, now I am his father!" Get it? Proverbs 13:22 says, "A good man leaves an inheritance to his children's children!" Being a father doesn't take too much; it happens all the time. But being a "dad" means going that extra mile and involves instilling in the heart of a child those qualities that will make him a blessing to this world and endear him to God. That is no easy task. But it is an eternally rewarding one. To all Fathers, we wish you a very happy day. May you be suitably spoiled. To the rest, I say, Remember the most important father in the world is God. Sure, don't forget your old dad, but never, ever neglect your Father in heaven. No one loves you more than He does. No one goes to greater trouble and sacrifice for you than He does. Be sure and talk to your father in Heaven. Be sure to listen to His wishes as you read His Word. That is the moment when He really talks to you and expresses His love for you. Keep smiling. Your father in Heaven loves you. Love to you all, Al. |
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