Open Letter to My Son
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Hello, Son!

I just wanted to drop you a line to let you know I was thinking
about you.

I was thinking about how very proud I am of you.

I'm pleased with the man you've become; the husband and the
father that you are.

I know that you have a business to run, kids to raise and a wife
to court.

Also, I understand that a man needs diversions, such as football
games and family outings to keep from going nuts.  So, don't
feel guilty about doing those things.  However, I want to
encourage you to prayerfully consider something of the highest
importance.

Son, at the risk of sounding too "preachy," I what to pass on to
you one of the most important truths I've learned in my 55 years
of life.  It was passed on to my by your grandfather, my Dad.
I now pass it to you to learn and then share with your new son.

You see, son, you are the head of your family--duly appointed by
God Himself.  That's also makes you the Priest of your home--its
spiritual leader.  In a very real sense you are the Pastor of
your family.  You are the shepherd of this flock that God has
entrusted to your care.

This is an awesome responsibility, son.  Therefore, I can't
imagine taking on this weighty task without God at the helm,
leading me, strengthening me, and teaching me how to fulfill
this office.

He called men to be the shepherd of their homes and He will hold
us accountable for it.  That's one of the reasons I'm gone
through anguish from time to time in my life.  I'm acutely aware
of the awesome responsibility that being a father and a husband
holds.  If I shirk my responsibility by not doing what I'm
supposed to do for them, to provide for them physically,
emotionally, and spiritually, I have to answer to God.

What's more, I run the risk of hurting my family if I fail to
minister to them in one or more of those areas.

Son, you won't hear this on secular TV or read it about in any
so-call "Men's Magazines," but I have become convinced of this
unalterable truth.

A man is not a real man if he's not providing for his family in
all three areas--physically, emotionally and spiritually.  It a
tough job, but God wouldn't have blessed us with a family if He
thought we couldn't handle it.

Just remember Philippians 4:13.
"I can do everything through him who gives me strength."

I love you son, and I'll always be here for you.

Have a wonderful Father's Day!

Dad

by MountainWings subscriber, Chaplain Rod Davis, Hixson, TN