Easy to say! In a time when you can pick your crisis of the day domestically or on the world stage, is it really a great day? Then, using the news source of choice along with the associated links for more background, one can get overwhelmed with information available in short order. Conversation among friends and co-workers can become heated with everyone having their own feelings about the crisis.

And it is a tough day when your 14year-old asks what 9/11 was about. With a teenager in the home, these times present an opportunity for a discerning dad in the ‘Coach’ season of fathering. The serenity prayer is a good starting point – “Lord, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.” Wisdom grounded in reality, not feelings will keep a teenager engaged in the conversation.

“So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink? Or ‘What shall we wear?’ … But seek first His Kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.” – Matthew 6:31, 33-34. There was plenty to worry about in Jesus’ day. But He did not allow worry to distract Him from the business at hand – to glorify His Father every day with every step on the journey marked out. Feelings were managed – “Father, if You are willing, take this cup from Me; yet not My will, but Yours be done.” (Luke 22:42) Jesus’ example with a focus on “His Kingdom and His righteousness” set the standard for the disciples to follow. Similarly, dads set the standard in the home with what dominates the discussion around the dinner table. Current events are important to include as part of a family discussion. The charge is to manage feelings that can distract from “His Kingdom and His righteousness.” It is always a great day to glorify the Father.

In discussing 9/11 with his son, the dad explained the reality of evil in the world. That cannot be changed. He went on to share how in many ways, 9/12 was a great day. In the aftermath of the disaster, in the face multiple terrorist attacks utilizing commercial airliners and in the reality of thousands of innocent lives lost, America took a body blow but was still standing. Congress prayed together on the Capitol steps, churches were packed and America came together as a nation with resolve to stand against evil.

Prayer guide: Lord, I thank You for Your Word and Your presence in my life. I confess that I have allowed news on various crises to distract me from Your Kingdom and Your righteousness. Forgive me. Grant me courage to change the things I can, the strength to stand firm in the full armor of You and the wisdom to engage the next generation in ways that glorify You every day. This is a great day to be the dad You call me to be and the dad the next generation needs. Amen.

A faithful father realizes every day as a great day to glorify the Father.