I was checking out one of my favorite comedy teams today, The Skit Guys, and ran across this clip they are promoting. The video is talking about Fatherhood and the ending is a great line of “How much time you got?’ Check out Fatherhood and then keep reading.
I think every dad has asked that question of “What’s it like being a dad?” I know that I did, and the day I became a dad, my life totally changed. There was a new person to balance in the equation of life. My wife’s attention was now divided amongst two people and not just toward me. My perception of romance and intimacy was shattered with a baby around. My wife still thinks my perception of it is off a bit!
Now my kids (3 of them) range from 4 – 10 years old. The question in the video is “How much time you got?” The answer for me is simply this, “I got a lifetime and it’s still not enough!” You see, being a dad is not a part-time job, a weekend visit or a when you want to be thing. It is a lifetime job and responsibility. Is it easy being a dad? I think every man reading this would say no. I know for me it is not easy and I would not stop doing it for anything in the world. I love to come home and hear my kids yell “Daddy!!” or “Daddy’s home!!” as they run to me to give me a hug or show me what they have done today. When I sneak a hug or kiss with my favorite homeschooling mom and I hear them saying “Look away…look away!” I snicker down inside.
To answer that question of “What is it like to be a dad?”, I think The Skit Guys nailed it with their answer. Dads are you taking the time to be with your kids? Are we letting them know how much they are loved and cared for? Are we instructing them as it says in Deuteronomy?
Deuteronomy 6:6-7
Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
6 These words that I am giving you today are to be in your heart. 7 Repeat them to your children. Talk about them when you sit in your house and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.
Are we taking the time to just chill and enjoy our kids? Try entering their world and not make them always be in yours, acting like a small adult and perfectly behaved. When I have done this, my kids never fail to come up to me with a huge hug and a big “Thank you daddy” at the end of the day. Give them the time you don’t have. Let them see you cry, laugh, read God’s word, love your wife and be a child of God.
So dads, let people look at you strange when they ask you “What’s it like to be a dad?” and be ready with a lifetime of great answers.