Gospel Prism

Shua went away on a women’s retreat this past weekend, and so the number one question I was asked was, “How are you surviving?” The assumption is that for a man to watch four kids must be quite challenging. And the answer to that question is, “I am more than surviving, I am enjoying the time.” How often do fathers have an opportunity to spend sustained alone time with their kids? This is not drudgery but a joy. Sure, there were the diaper changes, and the constant washing of dishes, cleaning up, etc. But there were also the times of playing games together, of throwing the ball around with my son, of tickling my girls, of bringing them to the park and seeing their joy, and of the reading and praying with them as they were going to bed. Truly, where there is a will there is a way. But also, where there is no will there is no way. Too many dads say they “cannot” watch their kids without their wives because ultimately they do NOT WANT TO watch their kids. And in such a state they 1) lose the opportunity to enjoy their children, and 2) lose the opportunity to thank God for their precious wives who care so selflessly for their children.

So I am thankful for this past weekend, not only to bless my wife as she enjoyed the beauty of God’s creation with 20 women, not only to bless my kids so they would remember that their dad did not neglect their childhood, but also for my own soul before God also as a child of God who loved me and gave Himself for me (Gal. 2:20).