MTC Week #24 - Father Introspection

June 15, 2014

A very happy Father's Day to all of you fathers out there. It's not an easy job to be the father that God wants you to be but I know many fathers who try their best to live up to that ideal, including my own father. While my dad and I were not very close growing up (very different interests), I always respected him and was grateful for his example and what he taught me. So thanks Dad for who you were and who you are today.

For Music and the Spoken Word today, we sang a number of songs that made

me do some serious reflection (and which almost produced a few tears), about how I did, and how I'm doing, as a dad. My kids span six years old to 15 years old, and I naturally thought about my oldest and how she'll only be with us for another three years or so before she launches into the world. In some respects, three years is awhile. But as every year seems to go faster than the previous one, three years is going to fly by.

Incorporating some of the lyrics of today's songs into my thoughts, I asked myself these questions regarding my children: 

Am I a dad who is brave, strong, and true?
Do I fill the world with love and do you see that I do?
Do I spend enough time with you flying kites, swinging in the swings, playing ball?
Have I given you more than things? Have I given you a heart that sings? Do I have a place in your heart?
As I'm turning around and realizing how quickly time has gone, will I have taught you enough before you go out the door? Before you have kids of your own?
Have I helped provide a home where there's a special feeling of warmth, security, shelter, and love?

I'm thankful for being able to sing songs today that help remind me of my responsibilities of being a great dad. I'm grateful in general for being able to sing songs each week that speak to my soul. And as people come to watch the choir rehearse each week and to watch Sunday morning's performance, I have a prayer in my heart that they'll leave the experience inspired to be better.

After today's Music & Spoken Word broadcast

Until next time, God be with you!