“A good dad will leave a stamp on his daughter that endures her entire life.” James Dobson
“Nothing I’ve ever done has given me more joys and rewards than being a father to my children.” Bill Cosby
Michelle and I thought for a long time we would never have children. When Josh came along, he faced daunting physical challenges at birth and has become a strong and talented young man. Then God gave us Hannah, who has been the apple of my eye. Being a dad has to be one of the greatest gifts ever.
One of the reasons I so cherish this role stems from what Michelle has taught me having not had a dad intimately involved in much of her life. I vowed early on to be the best dad I could be not only for our children, but also for my bride. I have often failed, but not from lack of trying!
But being a professor of young adults in college in grad school has brought another dimension to my place as a father. I have become in the lives of more than a few students something more than a teacher, or even more than a mentor. I have been something of a father.
I just got a sweet facebook message from a young lady I knew as a youth, then taught as a student, and who met her future husband in a small group I led. I remembered sitting at a local restaurant and talking to this young man as he told me of his feelings toward her. He wanted my blessing, which I gave with joy. I have played that role many times for many precious young ladies (and I have not always given my blessing!). I had the great honor of officiating their wedding. They now live overseas where he pursues doctoral studies. How good is our Lord to allow me such joy?
There have been others. Some have no dad in their life, and I play something of that role. Others have a great dad but he lives far away, so I am a dad in residence, as it were. I will be meeting one such young lady in the morning with her dad, who is a great father and who is now getting ready to send this child overseas for Jesus. Some just need godly advice from someone much older, others need occasional encouragement. But most just want to know there is a “dad” who loves Jesus and cares about stuff that matters in their lives.
I do not do many weddings. Never have. But I have done a few for some of my “daughters.” And this has been pure joy.
God has given me far more sons, too many to note. I talk to some via some form of social media virtually every week. I am one proud papa. Just last week I preached for one of my sons in the faith before a great host of youth. His pastor told me he was the best youth pastor he had ever known. That brought joy to my heart. By the way, some of the guys in our college consider Michelle to be a mom to them, which is more than sweet. One just brought her flowers and a card during a time of illness. “Mama Reid,” the card said.
The great blessing I have comes even more from my own children. I may have many children at Southeasten, but none of them compare to Josh and Hannah. It takes very little thought of them to make my eyes misty with gratitude for a great and holy God to bless Michelle and me with children who truly love Jesus (and their parents!). But Josh and Hannah not only are not threatened or bothered by my being an adopted dad to some students; they encourage it. his has also made an impact for the gospel: Hannah has a close friend who does not know Jesus, who comes from a tough home. I have spent just a little time with her, but recently I saw her and Hannah in a store. She ran up to me, gave me a big hug, and said, “Hey Daddy.” Why? Because she has heard from Hannah about our relationship. The gospel can be put on display for a younger generation by how we relate to our children.
My love for the Millennial Generation is no secret. I believe in this generation. I spend a lot of time with them. It is very much a fatherless generation. So I delight in offering them a little glimpse of a dad, limited as it may be, and feeble as my example sometimes is.
I cannot begin to list the numbers of emails, facebook messages, and personal conversations I have had with young people who desperately seek a father’s perspective, a fatherly love. We must point them to a Father in heaven who can be what no man can. But we can also be a father to the fatherless, and demonstrate the gospel in how we care for those much younger than us.
Many Timothy’s need a Paul to speak to them as sons in order to thrive. Look around. Be an encouragement to a younger generation. As you build relationships with them, rebuke them as well. But do not ignore them. A generation yearns for authentic faith lived out in our relationships with them.
This is just precious. I obviously did not know much of the story previously, but I cannot think of two better parents:-). Many blessings.