As a small child, my father and I often walked to the country store down the road, for an ice cream treat after supper. Just spending time with my father was so special. He held my hand and we talked about my day’s activities. It was perfect, except for our neighbor’s big black dogs that always came out and barked and sometimes nipped my heels. I would become tense when we had to pass that house.
To protect me from any traffic, my father walked next to the cars passing by. But once we reached the barking dogs, he switched hands with me and he walked between me and the dogs. Nothing was said. Yet, he realized my fear and protected me. No longer was I afraid, for I knew my father would always protect me. I trusted him to stand between me and danger.
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Through the love of my earthly father, I learned about compassion, faith, wisdom, protection, and love of my heavenly Father. Proverbs 22:6 offers godly advice for today’s fathers. “Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.” Our heavenly Father shows his children these same qualities — love, protection, faith, compassion and so much more.
The church has many opportunities to encourage Christian fathers. Unfortunately, some fathers today did not grow up in the church or have parents who provided a Christian home.
EDITOR’S NOTE: This story was written by Carolyn Tomlin originally published by the Baptist and Reflector.
