A Fathers Day Poem

The other day I was holding my 11-month old daughter in my arms, and this realization poured over me:  my ability to hold this little person... this tiny adorable human being was only there by God's grace. I did not earn this ability to hold her. I simply grew into the man I am today, and now I have the strength to hold a 20 pound baby. I guess my point is that I never earned this ability; it was given to me. Ever since our first daughter was born just over nine years ago, I've always had this overwhelming sense of inadequacy. It has just been a lingering thought or question, like, "how am I able to be a father?" So subconscious, I rarely pay much attention to it, but the Lord highlighted that to me in this passing thought, and He reassured me that I have all that I need to be a father. Sure, I have and will continue to make mistakes, but I have the will, the drive, the passion, the spirit (whatever you want to call it) to love, instruct, protect, guide, empower, feed, and provide for my children. God gave that to me when I first saw little Rachel's face. It continued to drive me when I saw little Christian's hand, and today it gives me purpose when I see little Izzy's smile.

I hope that every father out there feels empowered by the simple truth that he is imbued with every grace to be the best father he can be. The following is a poem that inspired me, and I hope it inspires you.

. . . And if you have any doubts about this that ever need to quell, just watch this video - it will remind you that every father naturally has what he needs to be great!

~

Your Arms

Your arms, your strength

They are enough

He gave you His grace

He gives you His love

To lift up your children

Carry them

When they need

To protect, to fight, to provide

To be the one to guard and to feed

So rest, have faith, and you will see

You are adequate

Because He is all you need

Your arms, your strength

They are enough

To embrace

To bring a soft meek touch

You have a father’s heart

He gave you a gift that day

That moment when 

You first saw that little face

You may not know

Or may never have thought

You have a father’s heart

You have enough to play the part

So rest in His grace

And delight in His strength