Be The Dad Today

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Dads Are Saying:

Be Honest

As dads, we like to present this image that we are in charge. That we have it all together. That nothing is wrong and “we got this.”

More likely, we are juggling 87 balls and only 23 are in the air. (or are you saying back at me, “more like 12?”)

Allow me to let you in on a little secret… your family has already figured out that you aren’t on top of everything! So the sooner you admit it to them, the better off you will be.

We don’t like feeling like a failure. Here’s the good news, you’re aren’t! Ideal Life isn’t possible! There is too much to do, and not enough hours or days or years to ever do it all, and on top of that, you (and me) are broken imperfect people.

The key to successful dadhood is not so much lowering our standard, but accepting who we are and getting a realistic view of ourselves.

The Bible says,

For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you.
– Romans 12:3

In other words, don’t be so hard on yourself – you are only human. Do what you can each day, be willing to say “I’m Sorry,” when you blow it or fall short of yours or others expectation, for tomorrow is another day.

The Bible also offers this encouragement:

Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
– Philippians 1:6

There used to be a popular bumper sticker that said, “Please be patient, God isn’t finished with me yet.” I’ve often thought I should just wear a t-shirt every day that says, “UNDER CONSTRUCTION.” Because I know despite my best efforts, I still fall short of my own best intentions, let alone anyone else’s!

As a dad, at the end of the day, it’s more important to your kids to be REAL, than to be perfect. That’s a characteristic they will admire in the long run. They’ve already figured out you aren’t perfect. What they want to know is, are you honest about yourself?

Facebook comments:

2 Responses to “Be Honest”

  1. Steve says:

    Showing your kids a lifestyle of humble honesty is a great gift to them. If kids can learn this early, they will save themselves a lot of embarrassment. When they gloat about their successes and show-off they’ll quickly find themselves lonely and without friends. But if they can simply be about their business, working hard and praising other’s successes over their own, they can build lasting and authentic friendships. Thanks for this reminder!

  2. Karl, I think this site will provide tremendous tools for dads. You are such an encourager. Every dad should visit here. –Scott Turansky

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