Honoring

Often on Mother's or Father's Day, our pastors will ask someone to honor a spouse or parent during the Sunday morning service.
A few weeks ago, I got a call asking if I would be willing to honor Steven for this Father's Day. I jumped at the opportunity to share the grace I see in his life in the area of fathering. Here's my written version of what I said:

Steven has been wonderfully proactive as a father. He leads the way in parenting not making me feel like he is helping me parent our kids but that I am helping him. A verse that reminds me how Steven is seeking to act is Deut. 6:6-7 which says, "And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise." There are a number of ways he does this.
-He spends a portion of dinner times each night reading the kids a Bible story and then discussing the gospel with them.
-Steven is alert to the spiritual condition of our children's souls. He's often asking me about what sin patterns I see in our kids lives and dialoguing about how we can be training them.
-He does a weekly "guys night" with the boys which is a highlight of the week for them. Not only does he make fun, but he often has a new kid-sized memory verse that they learn together. A recent one was the end of 1 Cor. 16:13 which says, "act like men, be strong." My favorite part of that verse was later hearing him explain what "act like men" looked like. His explanation was so different that what the world's explanation would be. He was enforcing biblical principles and servant-hearted leadership.
-Another practice of his is building a love for the church in the kids. Steven makes a big deal about Sunday, and has made it a habit to pray for and then lead the boys in praying for church and our pastors on the drive to church. I also love hearing him point out to our boys evidences of humble leadership in our church.

I asked my six-year-old Isaiah his thoughts about his dad. I think quoting him will give you a good idea of what kind of example Steven is being for his boys. These are Isaiah's words: "Dad loves us and is kind to us. I like guys night! He's gentle with us and my mom. He cares for us and teaches us to repent and believe in the gospel." For me personally, I already see an excitement in them about the what their daddy is trying to teach them. To them, the gospel is exciting because that the way Steven presents it. I also see the boys imitating his character in their gratefulness. My husband is a very grateful person and he's passing that on to the kids.

Humor me as I finish this post off with a note to my husband...

SJ, I am in awe of what God has done in your life. I couldn't have imagine a better man to be the father of my children. You bring laughter and truth into our home. As we head into this weekend, celebrating seven years of marriage, I feel overwhelmed by God's kindness to me in His gift of you as my husband. You're everything I dreamed of...and more. I love you forever.