Dad Didn’t Know I Was Watching

I watched my dad a lot while I was growing up.  I know, we all watched our parents, didn’t we?  Sometimes my dad knew I was watching and sometimes he did not…like the time that he apparently gained clearance from the FAA to perform as a low-flying aircraft.

I watched my dad a lot while I was growing up.  I know, we all watched our parents, didn’t we?  Sometimes my dad knew I was watching and sometimes he did not…like the time that he apparently gained clearance from the FAA to perform as a low-flying aircraft.

When I was in 7th grade, my dad took me on a camping trip with our boy scout troop.  We pitched a tent.  We hiked.  We chopped firewood.  We built a campfire.  We cooked food over the campfire (including s’mores).  It rained.  We had fun.  And we had to leave early so that I could be back home in time for a soccer game.

We were supposed to leave really early Saturday morning.  However, we overslept.  We hurried to get things settled and into the car.  We left late; really late.  And, as my custom was, I sacked out while my dad drove.

Now for the low-flying aircraft part…

My dad always did his best to keep his word and to be where we needed to be when we needed to be there.  So, while I was sleeping and we were on some back roads of West Texas, the car hovered a little above the ground as my dad exaggerated the speed limit – just a bit.

My dad didn’t really know that I woke up a couple of times and peeked at the speedometer.  I was amazed to see the needle pointing at numbers that were clearly not intended to rate speed.  I was a little surprised, excited, even inspired a bit because my dad was, in a sense, fighting for me.

So, I covered my smile, closed my eyes and went back to sleep.  And, even though I should have been a little scared, I knew I was safe and that we would make it to the game on time.  After all, I was with my dad.

Four Roles Children Need From Their Dad (parents)

As I think about my dad and what he did for me on that day, I realize that there are four basic roles that children need from their dads (parents).  Dads need to be:

1. Protector.  Children need to know that they are safe. Period.
2. Provider.  There is always uncertainty these days.  But, children want to know that they will have what they need (notice, I said need…not want).
3. Supporter.  Children need to be loved and to be encouraged.  They need their dad to believe in them, to help them along the way and to be their biggest fan.
4. Example.  If we don’t show them the way, they will follow the world.  Our children need to see our examples in every part of life – from hobbies to work; from family and relationships to emotions and attitudes; choices in actions, reactions, words, and what we do with our down time…just to name a few.  And, they especially need a great example to follow in what we do with God and our spiritual lives.

When children see these roles lived out and truly believe that they are protected, are provided for, are supported and have great examples to follow, they know they can take on the world and accomplish anything.

Question: What is the most important role that you play?  How have your children been inspired by watching you?

Photo Credits: Remco Donselaar; MaxWdhs