Men, one of the greatest responsibilities of good fatherhood is to be available to your children as much as possible. All children need the godly, stabilizing input and influence of their fathers, some more than others.
Please do not leave the overall responsibility of parental presence to your wife. There are many times, even in the daily ministrations of family life, when things go wrong. I think most women tend to be more emotional than men. It’s not their fault. It’s just the way they are wired.
Most men react more rationally and calmer when a child has an accident or gets into trouble. I know that men cannot always be available because of working away from home, but when you get a lunch break or some time to take a break, please give your wife a call. Check up on what’s happening at home.
A husband’s reassuring voice of wisdom goes a long way to calm a wife’s frazzled nerves when things are not going well. When you are at home, be at home. In other words, be involved with your family as much as possible. I think it is possible for some men to be at home, but they might as well not be home. They shut themselves off from their family.
Genesis 22:7 says: “And Isaac spake unto Abraham his father and said, My father: and he said, here am I, my son. And he said, Behold the fire and the wood: but where is the lamb for burnt offering?” Like Isaac, there are many sons and daughters crying out, “My father, my father, where are you? Please answer me. I need your help and wisdom now.”
Fathers, when you are at home, make yourselves available. Even though you may have responsibilities to take care of, even at home, be ready to drop what you are doing to attend to the needy request of your own flesh and blood, your children.
Beware of being overly taken up with your iPhone, computer, favorite hobby, or self-interest. Remember, you are a father FIRST OF ALL. You are an honorable, attentive father. Fatherhood is a crown for your head. Put it on and wear it with godly pride. It is your privilege.
Be encouraged.
Colin Campbell
Painting by Janice Trane Jones