Like as a Father

Like as a Father

While we were conducting business in Earl’s office recently, prominently displayed on his desk was a picture of him and his wife in a creative, unconventional pose.

  Only with a second closer look could be seen a little mite of humanity--their week-old daughter. 

Bursting with pride, he proceeded to show us pictures on his phone of the three of them, and of little Earline, now one year old, alert, bright-eyed, healthy and happy--clearly beloved.  Commenting with conviction he effused, “Having her has made me take a 180-degree turn in my life. And it’s all good!”

Our business sunk into insignificance compared to his joy that lit up the whole room.  His expression of such unabashed delight in fatherhood is truly heartwarming.  My husband and I recall that magical moment repeatedly and wish this little family joy all along the journey of parenting. 

Ancient words given to fathers provide guidance in moving forward effectually through the years of parenting (which never really end).

First: The most vital factor to preserve a secure, happy family is for the father to love the mother of his children.  Solomon, the wisest man in history wrote: “Rejoice with the wife of thy youth.” (Proverbs 5:18).

Second: Tender, gentle, early, faithful training of the child’s unformed character is crucial. “Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it.” (Proverbs 22:6).

Third: In the difficult years, when a child’s autonomy begins to expand, it’s imperative for the parent to be mature enough to recognize when to apply pressure, when to allow spontaneous development, and when to impose firm boundaries.  It’s almost like a tight-rope walk at times. “Ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath, but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.” (Ephesians 6:4).

Fourth: Regardless of any choices your children make as they leave the home nest, constantly assure them of your unconditional love for them, even if you are disappointed and disapprove of their choices.  The challenges of parenting require us to mature in patience, and in seeking to exhibit the unquenchable love God proffers us, “I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee.” (Jeremiah 31:3).

Our heavenly Father God is invested in parenting us, His earthly children, so He knows the anxieties and cares of parents.  Therefore He communicates His comforting assurance, “Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear Him.” (Psalm 103:13).

Related Articles

More From Prose

Escape From Iran

A story of one Jewish man's escape from Iran.
Escape From Iran

Ctrl + Z

One of my favorite keyboard shortcuts is Ctrl + Z. It instantly deletes the last action you…
Ctrl + Z

The Workman's Circle

When I was growing up in my Jewish world I would often hear about a Jewish organization called…
The Workman's Circle

T'shuvah

T'shuvah is the Hebrew word, for lack of a better term, meaning return. The Jewish writer Erich…
T'shuvah

The Request

In embarrassment and shame I slowly approached the throne of the Holy One. I keenly felt the…
The Request

Gloria

During my mission’s trip I began a journalism project at the children’s orphanage in Mexicali…
Gloria

Dear Jack

Jack took a long look at his speedometer before slowing down: 73 in a 55 mph zone.
Dear Jack

Road Rage

I was on my way to meet someone in a place I had never been before. The home I was going to was…
Road Rage
The Golden Retriever

The Golden Retriever

It was Sabbath and I was going to go on a walk with my mom after eating a wonderful lunch, but…
The Golden Retriever
Photo: Alan Reinach

Alan Reinach

Outwardly Alan Reinach appeared to be an unlikely candidate for God's kingdom, but in his heart…
Alan Reinach

The Bar Mitzvah Boys

Bobby and I were friends for as long as I can remember. We not only had a bond of close…
The Bar Mitzvah Boys

Great Bad Timing

I was rushing to go to work since I started driving later than I would have liked, but I knew I…
Great Bad Timing

Belev Echad

Belev Echad (“One Heart” in Hebrew) is an organization that brings wounded Israeli Defense…
Belev Echad
Clifford Goldstein

Clifford Goldstein

Clifford Goldstein will tell you that his family tree is full of typewriters, pens, and books.…
Clifford Goldstein

Sydell

Sydell Greenberg grew up in a wonderful Jewish home in Brooklyn, New York. As a result of a…
Sydell

Publish the Menu module to "offcanvas" position. Here you can publish other modules as well.
Learn More.


donation