[278 words]
When they came home from school, the first words out of our children’s mouths was, “Where’s mom?” l would usually hear, “Where’s Dad?” when money was needed or a parental decision was required. Such is the common pecking order in a typical family. Moms are always needed. Dads? Well, perhaps not so much, until maybe there’s a loud thunderstorm, or when there’s something lurking outside their bedroom window, or when the bike is broken, or when they want to get their driver’s license, or…well, you get the idea.
We dads sort of figure that “need” and “love” go hand in hand. To be needed is a way of being loved by family. “Can you help me with my homework?” is an expression of love for a dad because he is needed. We like for our children to depend on us since we have a heart full of love for them, and we want them to love us. God may feel the same way because He invites all of His children to trust in Him. Peter said that you should cast “all your anxiety upon Him, because He cares for you” (1 Pet. 5:7). Needing God and leaning upon God like a Father is a way that we express our love for Him.
While men may not use the “love” word as much as moms do, they still need to hear it. My children are all grown now, but they are comfortable in saying “I love you” to me and hearing the same from me. And, we really mean it. That’s a great Father’s Day gift. Why don’t we give our Heavenly Father such a gift today?
Guy Orbison Jr.
Durango Church of Christ
Durango, CO