Daggum, it happened again! I parked the truck, turned off the ignition and put the keys in my lap while I answered a few texts. Then I grabbed my satchel as I got out of the truck, locked the doors and headed to a meeting. Two steps away, I realized I had locked the keys in the truck, again. AAA coverage was needed, again.

The American Automobile Association has been around over 120 years covering all kinds of roadside assistance when one runs into unexpected trouble. Similarly, dads are to provide 24/7 AAA coverage when someone in the family runs into unexpected troubles. The three A’s for dads are: Availability; Accessibility; and Approachability.

Jesus said, “Remove the stone. … Did I not say to you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?” So they removed the stone. Then Jesus raised His eyes, and said, “Father, I thank You that You have heard Me. I knew that You always hear Me; but because of the people standing around I said it, so that they may believe that You sent Me.” When He had said these things, He cried out with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come forth.” – John 11:39-43. Jesus knew His Father was always available. This was evidenced when He told Mary, “you will see the glory of God.” He did not say, you might see the glory of God – The Father was available for His Son. Jesus also knew Dad would keep Himself accessible. When He said, “thank You that You have heard Me.” He did not ask His Father if He had a minute, Jesus knew He would take a minute. The Son had unmitigated access to the Father. And finally, the Father was approachable. Jesus said, “You always hear Me” because His Father was always approachable. For dads today, availability conveys right priorities – review the family routine with your bride and prioritize availability. Make sure missing an event is the exception, not the rule. Accessibility conveys significance – unmitigated access for your bride and children, always willing to listen. Certainly, there are boundaries to be set but when boundaries are crossed, the response must be measured. A terse response has the danger of communicating insignificance. Approachability conveys love – never be too busy to have a timely discussion with a child. The home must be seen as a ‘safe place’ for a child to bring edgy topics forward. Dad and mom provide safe coverage from cultural views and pressure by being approachable on any subject. The charge is to emulate the Heavenly Father by being available, accessible and approachable, providing AAA coverage over family.

Tips to provide AAA Coverage:

• Love your bride as Christ loves the Church – kids rotate around the marriage;
• Have as consistent a routine as possible and utilize a family calendar app;
• Set boundaries but make sure all means of contacting you are open at all times;
• Have regular family discussion times – devotion time and open dialogue;
• Let your children know you will be there for them; how important they are; and, how much they are loved. When necessary, use words. 

Prayer guide: Father, thank You for Your word and Your example. I confess I have followed examples of father-figures in my life that have led me down more of a secular road than a biblical road. Forgive me. I commit to read Your word daily and work to emulate You as the perfect Father. I will provide AAA coverage for my family, by Your grace. That is the dad You call me to be and that’s the dad my kids need to see. Amen.
A faithful father provides AAA coverage for his family.