Imperfect parents can still teach Godly truths. Father’s Day is a time to celebrate what our fathers mean to us. But not everyone had the kind of close relationship with their fathers they would have liked. For some, the day can trigger painful emotions and memories. Our earthly fathers are human. They are flawed. They can let us down, disappoint us, or even abandon or abuse us.

Shepherding the Flock. The familiar image of the shepherd and his sheep illustrate the truth that we all have a Father in heaven patiently waiting for his sons to step into the peace and comfort only He can provide. No matter how remarkable or pitiful our earthly lives have been (or will be), the Father knows and will always be the good shepherd to His flock.

“For all of us have become like one who is unclean, And all our righteous deeds are like a filthy garment; And all of us wither like a leaf, And our iniquities, like the wind, take us away.” — Isaiah 64:6

How to impact your kids; it starts by recognizing something. My main job is being a husband and a father. I have a paying job to support that effort. In that job, I drive a lot. I run up some significant windshield time. In a way, it can be an opportunity for the enemy to work on me. But it can be a tremendous blessing. I have drive time every week to turn me back into a father and a husband. I know a lot of men who struggle with bringing work home. Some struggle with that transition, and it can have a negative impact on your home.

“Here there is no Greek or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all. Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience, Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace.” – Colossians 3:12-15

Godly maturity: not always so easy. Growing up, I was taught never to give up. Never to surrender but to push forward and keep striving, which did well for me in school and on the soccer field. Along the way, this teaching became unbalanced in my life because I bunkered into the never give up and never surrender mentality.