A Child's Father

A mother may have the ability to encourage her children but a woman's proctective nature sometimes can hinder a child's desire to explore, discover and learn. It's the thought of our little ones hurting themselves or "that stain will never come out!", which makes us pull back and say..."No, not there. Don't climb that. Don't touch that. Put that down. You'll get muddy. Your shoes will get wet. No. No. No".

I know this can be the case with me sometimes...sometimes. My mother didn't let me play in the rain or puddles and I often got in alot of trouble when I arrived home with my school uniform "mysteriously" soaked (even though I had a raincoat and umbrella). I don't fault my mother. She raised her two daughters the very best way she knew how. Trust me when I tell you...we were always very clean and safe.

So, in nurturing a desire to allow my children to play AND keep them safe...bring on the dirt!

Within reason of course.

Yes, mothers tend to be the ones thinking about all the possible scenerios involving an emergency room visit.  But there is something about the way a man is made that makes them such great encouragers to their children.

On occasion, they can seem to be aloof to potential danger. The truth is dads do not desire their children to get hurt, but to experience life to it's fullest potential and yes, they are watching...

...just like our Heavenly Father watches over us.  He never demands we do things His way. He instructs, leads, guides, and encourages us along the way.  Sometimes we make mistakes and fall, but He doesn't turn His back on us and walk away.  He is close by to lift us up and show us where not to step next time and to learn from our experience.  He teaches us to trust Him and in time we do see and understand that He only has our best interest in mind.

I'm so thankful I have a Father who loves me enough to always have a gentle, caring eye on me and never pushes me to do more than He knows I can.

And I'm eternally grateful our children have an earthly example of that love.

"Fathers, do not aggravate your children, or they will become discouraged." (Col 3:21 NLT)

Sweet child, may your Father's blessings be abundant this weekend.



"A Child's Father" photos by Lisa Arnold with Canon Powershot SX110IS 9MP Digital Camera with 10x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom (Black) AT A VERY CLOSE AND SAFE DISTANCE :)