For the last 3 years I have been watched, questioned, and modeled by my son Isaiah. He has shown me time and time again what it means to love God. The influence I have in his life is proven to me everyday. My motivation for working hard is driven by the image he sees of me.
As a father my number one concern is ensuring I am the best father I can be for him. What's more important is the fact that he watches everything I do and is constantly seeking me in his own image. I've watched him grow in faith over the years and I've watched my own faith strengthen through the examples he has provided in my life.
At one point my biggest fear was appearing to my son as a failure. I would always worry about the imperfections in my life. My concerns would often lead me to wonder if I could ever lead someone through life. Until one day while in prayer the Lord spoke to me and re-assured me that he never intended for me to be perfect nor did he intend for me to deal with these concerns alone.
Being a parent is not about being the best parent we can be for our children. It's about giving them all the tools they need to discover their calling in life and to follow the Lord. It was only at this point where I found peace in my imperfections. I'm comfortable with who I am today because I know that I am not perfect nor will I ever be. Placing my trust in the Lord's foundation is the best thing I can do for myself and by way of extension is the best parenting I can provide for my son.
I am so grateful for the opportunities that are given to me in life. It's more about growing the kingdom than it is about growing my own success. Simply put, the flesh is weak. We simply don't have all of the answers and solutions to solve the problems of the world. But with the Lord we have everything we need to support and provide guidance for our families.
As a father of a young boy I believe that we must lead by example so that he knows how to follow. This to me means more than just setting a good example. I have to be willing to show him my failures to that he has examples on how to navigate his failures. I have to also be able to show him how to handle success to that he knows how to deal with his. Leading by example means being humble enough to expose my impurities while also being confident in what they are.
In order to be these things I understand that I have to be strong on the outside as well as the inside. I have to be willing to explain the poor decisions I've made while also being able to gracefully handle the "wins" in life. All of these points are best taught with actions rather than words. The reason a man's word is worth so much is not because of the man but because of the impression the man has left behind those words through his actions.
Lord,
I pray for guidance and shepherding as I walk down the path of father-hood. I vow to put you at the center-point of my family and to always consult with you. Thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to lead a family of the Lord. For I know this is your family and I have been charged with the love, care and protection of this family.
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