I am convinced that one of the greatest gift that a dad can give to his children is his words. But not just any words and not in just any form. Only those words that have been thought out and are meant with all sincerity. Words that reaffirm the bond between a father and son or a father and his daughter. And the carrier of such a letter can’t be in a snap chat or a message via phone. A handwritten letter can be one of those things they receive from you that will be reread, thought upon, and treasured for years to come. Words also that are filled with action because we all know they are merely words if nothing backs them up.
Dads have the ability to lead and bring great influence into the lives of his children. And those lives need direction from dad. I can remember receiving a special letter from my dad in high school. It came at such a time that I, as a teenager had great challenges. The words of affirmation from my dad helped me to turn from a life of well….quite honestly….disaster or distraction or one of the those d words that are no good. I knew my dad loved me but actually reading those words from him followed by his sincere heart made a big difference to me.
So with this Sunday being Father’s Day, I know you are expecting to open a tie from a very excited kiddo or group of kiddos! I know you will be thrilled at their faces, but imagine their surprise if you were able to hand them a handwritten letter from you.
You may already have something in mind you’d like to write about but if not….maybe you’d like one of these……
- Even if the only thing you are able to write is…I love you, these are the most valued words they will read. Reaffirming your love for them is a vital part of you being their dad and leader. A good leader lets his children know that his love is unconditional. Let them hear you say it but let them read it as well.
- Share the best of your roll. As a Father and being that it is Father’s Day….share with them how much you enjoying being their dad. Tell them a story about the two of you. No matter what age, kids love the bond that only the two of you share.
- Give advise. What ever stage your children are in, be it toddler, school aged, or grown and out of the house.Have some advice you want to pass along? Now is the time to do it!!!. Proverbs is full of great advice. Try tucking away God’s Word in the letter. You will never lose on that one!
- Acknowledge their abilities. I don’t know about you but sometimes it’s hard to recognize your own talents and abilities. Can you imagine what you child might think. You don’t have to make something up….really take the time to be sincere. Parents have a keen sense of picking up on things each child does well. If you have multiple children, be sure you give each one equal bragging time because no gift is greater than the next!
- Say your sorry. I know this sounds strange and this one you have to be careful with because you don’t want to make this letter about you. You want this letter to be something encouraging and inspiring. If you’ve had some struggles lately say your sorry…ask forgiveness. Children need to see you are imperfect but they don’t want to know your whole messy story. They are looking for you to lead them not for them to be your counselor. The other lesson learned in this situation is that we are all in need of Christ and receive His forgiveness through His Son.
- Strengthen your bond. As you write this letter, imagine this….your child’s name at the top and yours at the bottom. Your bond is unique and what you write in-between is up to you. You could say the words that change their outlook, encourage their faith, help them in a decision, reaffirm your love, make them feel they belong to a strong team.
Dad’s you are amazing. I see some of you out there and all’s I can say is “WAY TO GO!” Keep up the good work! You are needed, you are appreciated, and thank you for doing your best to raise the next generation. And if you are so inclined to write your children a letter…I pray the words you pen are the best gift you can give for Father’s Day.
“The righteous man walks in his integrity; his children are blessed after him” Prov. 20:7
I always love hearing from you and thank you for reading……thecowboypastorswife
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