Fathering

When a man puts his physical seed into a woman, he creates a responsibility for himself for which he may or may not have planned. This, in my opinion, is not fathering in the truest sense of the word. True fathers are investors but in a philanthropic sort of way. They lay down their life for those under their care, with no regard or consideration of a return. It is solely for the betterment of his "children" and, ultimately, eternity. True fathering has nothing to do with a physical seed. It is the spiritual seed, the planting of all he has into the soil of a young, tender garden. It is a choice to initiate demonstrative honor towards those younger than him, physically, spiritually or both. Fathering is a flat out sacrifice of all that one has. The Father of all fathers set the standard when he turned his Son over to death and hell for the investment of eternal life this act would provide for the rest of His kids. Wow.

I have interacted with a few dads lately who speak with regret of the physical lives they have helped to bring into this world. One man even said, "if I had it to do all over again, I wouldn't have had children." Ouch! That hurt my heart. I can't even imagine the Father's perspective. Children, physical or not, are not a commodity. They are not to be seen as a source of selfish gain or pleasure. Children are a vault of limitless wealth, waiting for a father to come along, with keys of honor and selflessness and unlock the treasure.

Today, I honor all fathers who have and continue to plant seeds of life and eternal value into their children, biological or not. May your supply of love, compassion, mercy and grace be endless as you daily lay down your life for others. And may the pleasure and love of The Father overtake you as you fix your gaze on Him, your source for all that you need.