I have been a father for six years now and, I hate to admit it, but I feel like most of that time has been spent just floating through fatherhood without much intentionality. I now have three sons: Eli (6), Liam (4), and Ari (1.5). I don’t want my life to be focused on the busyness of the world around me. Instead I want to focus my energy on pouring into my boys. As King Solomon said,

“My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart, for they will prolong your life many years and bring you prosperity.” – Proverbs 3:1-2

I want their hearts to be open to my instruction and correction. I want their obedience to be out of love and not compulsion, and I want them to listen so that they can learn and live a prosperous life that glorifies God and brings joy to others.

New Start for a New Year

I’ve never been the most patient dad. I’ve often expected immediate obedience and been slow to offer grace when my expectations are not met. There is, obviously a place for obedience but, likewise, there is also a time for grace.

I’ve also spent too much time in the past on my own work and interests, often at the expense of time with my children. With Eli now in kindergarten I’ve been feeling a greater sense of urgency to correct this course. It’s not been a perfect journey so far but my wife has assured me that it’s never too late and progress is being made. This is why, with the exception of the Hanukkah series in late December, I took nearly the entire month off from writing anything in order to spend more time with my kids, and it’s been a blessing to all of us.

An Invitation

As we begin this new year, I invite every dad and prospective dad to join me in setting aside special time with their sons. To teach them what it means to have a dad like God by allowing Him to transform our lives to actually be more like Him.

Take the journey with me this year and dedicate 2015 to serving our children by not only providing for them, but also by playing with them, reading to them, teaching them, and lightening up a little bit.