Like most dads, I’d like to believe I was a good father. I know I made some mistakes along the way (so they tell me), but all in all I think I was and still am a pretty good father. Here’s how I know. Besides, the normal things like laughing, playing, listening, attending their games, concerts and other functions (even though at times we were the parents who were “over there”), and being a support to them, I told them they could have whatever pet they wanted, just not a cat. I didn’t have to worry about a snake, turtle, and definitely not something in the hamster/gerbil family (they were too close to mice). And I was a good father/husband because far be it from me to laugh when they jumped up on the chair or couch or screamed their lungs out when they saw a mouse.  I could tell you more but it would make me look really good bad.

I’ve always said that it was too bad raising children didn’t come with an operator’s manual. Then again, it wouldn’t work since all kids are different. That manual would have to be bigger than a Family Bible! Being a father is one of the greatest privileges I have ever had. In fact, I would put it second to being married to Jo.

It is also pretty well agreed that our view of God is formed and predicated on our relationship with our earthly father. As part of this series, I have talked about God the Son and God the Holy Spirit but pushed this particular one- God the Father-to the end. So this Sunday I will be looking at God as

• A Patient Father
• A Forgiving Father
• A Proud Father

Your prayers would be appreciated.