“…’honor your father and mother,' and 'love your neighbor as yourself.'.” Matthew 19:19 (NIV)

“BUS!” he cried. Every morning was the same routine. The kids would poke at their breakfast, take forever in the bathroom, then struggle to find their book bags. Of course one sock would be on and the other not when my husband would hear the rattle of the big yellow bus coming to a stop at the end of our driveway. The doors screeched as they opened, then the familiar cry would bounce off the walls announcing time was up.

My husband came into their lives during these middle school years of frantic mornings. And quite frankly, he wondered if anything he tried to say or do for them was sinking in at all.

Today I found confirmation that his efforts were noticed and appreciated. I came across a card my daughter gave her step-dad at Father’s Day after her senior year. She wrote:

“I was thinking about it, and there is a difference between Dad and Step-dad. A Dad just is. It’s Dad. But the word Step is one of those polite substitutes for what it truly is: a LEAP; a PLUNGE; a FREEFALL on to the side of an unknown mountain, knowing no matter where you land on it – you MUST climb and fair the weather along the way if you want to reach the top.

The Step – much like the jagged blender blades which create the blended family – is what it takes to bridge the chasm from your heart to mine. And you took that Step, that Leap, that Plunge. I cannot thank you enough. You stand by me. You listen – really listen. And perhaps what most impresses me is that you opened your arms to me – from the first day we met. You were willing to love me, and hold me. For once I could be held by a man and trust, to feel SAFE.

I cannot thank you enough…for being a father to me…my incredible Step-dad. I love you, Tiffany.”

I know it must have warmed his soul to receive that celebration and confirmation.

The Greek word in the Bible for father is “pater” which means: one who has infused his own spirit into others, who actuates and governs their minds; one who stands in a father's place and looks after another in a paternal way. Much like Joseph did with Jesus, there are many men who are privileged to step into the role of becoming a father through marriage.

Let’s celebrate all the dads who, like our Heavenly Father, selflessly infuse their own spirit into the lives of others. Is there someone in your life that fills that father role – thank him today.

Dear Lord, thank you for giving us the example of what a father should be. Thank you for being a father to me. Bless the fathers in my life and around the world today who are looking after others. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

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Related Resources:

Authentic Parenting in a Postmodern Culture by Mary E. DeMuth

Do You Know Jesus?

Visit Luann’s Blog

Application Steps:

Think of some step-parents you know who have shown God’s love to their families. Send them a note of thanks for allowing the Spirit to work through them.

Reflections:

What family may need my prayers today?

How do I infuse God’s spirit into other young lives?

Who in my world needs the Father?

Power Verses:

Matthew 15:4, “For God said, ‘Honor your father and mother’” (NIV)

John 13:15, “I have set an example that you should do as I have done for you.” (NIV)

1 Peter 2:17, “Show proper respect to everyone. Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the King.” (NIV)

© 2008 by Luann Prater. All rights reserved.