How was your 2024? I think it healthy to spend time reflecting on the high points of the past year, what I call “glimpses of God’s glory.” The arrival of a granddaughter was certainly a high point for us. Time with our grown kids helping on Faithful Fathering’s summer adventures, and time with family were also wonderful high points.
At Faithful Fathering, the high points are usually tied to the weekend retreats or extended trips that create unique father-child one-on-one time. Another high this year the reception of our latest release, Seasons of Fathering – A handbook for life. It is a man-sized book, about 110 pages of practical and concise encouragement for dads. Of course, one-on-one father-child time receives emphasis through each season.
“I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.” … Jesus said (to Mary Magdalene), “Do not hold on to Me, for I have not yet returned to the Father. Go instead to My brothers and tell them, ‘I am returning to My Father and your Father, to My God and your God.’” – John 15:15, 20:17. In these passages, Jesus conveys a maturing in relationship with His disciples. They progressed from servants to friends, then from friends to brothers. As servants, they absorbed all the teaching Jesus offered. He taught them all His Father had taught Him. As they began to understand the business behind the teaching, the relationship matured into friendship. As friends, Jesus “sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal the sick.” (Luke 9:2). He then coached them through their successes and failures (Luke 10:18-20). Finally, He said He would send the Counselor “to help you and be with you forever” (John 14:16) once He returned to the Father. There was a lot of Father-Son time documented in the gospel of John. And there was a lot of Jesus-disciple time documented as their relationships matured. Similarly, the intentionality of dads to invest time with each child across the Teacher, Coach and Counselor seasons of fathering is key in enabling a healthy, mature relationship with kids as they mature. Dads are encouraged to look ahead in the new year and schedule unique one-on-one time with each child.
Opportunities with Faithful Fathering in 2025 include:
Prayer guide: Father, thank You for being my Father and for sending Your Son into this world, the greatest gift of all time. I confess that I have fallen short of emulating the father-child relationship You exemplify so comprehensibly in Your word. As I reflect on this past year, I realize I have allowed worldly priorities to claim time that I should have invested in my marriage and the children You have blessed me with. Forgive me. I will do better in the new year by scheduling regular one-on-one time with my bride and each child. Grant me clarity and discernment as I commit to boldly move forward as a faithful father. That is the dad You call me to be and that’s the dad my kids need to see. Amen.
A faithful father commits to boldly move forward as a faithful father.
How was your 2024? I think it healthy to spend time reflecting on the high points of the past year, what I call “glimpses of God’s glory.” The arrival of a granddaughter was certainly a high point for us. Time with our grown kids helping on Faithful Fathering’s summer adventures, and time with family were also wonderful high points.
