Fathers – Experience and Reflection (A Message To Fathers)

What has the past 12 months been like for you since last Fathers day? I was reflecting on this question myself over the past week as a Son and as a Father.

– What has taken place in these 12 months?

– How have I Fathered my children

– My relationship with my Dad

– My relationship with my Father in Heaven

Initially I thought about the times I was too focused on work – the number of times I have said ‘no’ or ‘don’t’ ! – time given to other seemingly more important priorities.

Important things to reflect on.  I also read over my blog from last Fathers day Fatherhood Rediscovered…..a great read.

Upon further reflection, I reminded myself again that it’s pretty easy to drift negatively about what we could have, should have, would have done better. Men, we are our harshest critics aren’t we?!

What does stand out the most to me from the past 12 months is how my relationship with the Father has deepened and strengthened – Amen!

God the Father works through our lives for our good, His Kingdom and His glory. Even when the things that transpire around us can make no sense and hurt like hell.

I am in the first few days of a 40 day period of prayer and readings. One part of it involves reading and listening (on YouVersion) to Psalm 23 as many times in a day as you can muster. The impact it has already had after 5 days is quite amazing. In particular verse 4….”for you are with me, your rod and your staff they comfort me”. The rod protects us from the enemy and the staff is used by the Shepherd to guide and discipline us. I can see over the past 12 months where God used the staff for both guiding and disciplining me. I am grateful for both….in hindsight.

Men, lets remember that God the Father gave us the honour of being called ‘Father’ and our words and actions as Fathers either bring life or…..not. This is in part what the words of Malachi 4:6 mean….that the hearts of the Fathers will turn to the children and the hearts of the children to their Fathers. When we as earthly Fathers work as forerunners for God, He is revealed, life abounds and people flourish. Fatherhood is indeed an awesome privilege.

With children in their mid to late teens in our house I have had some great Fathering moments that come to mind over the past 12 months. My prayer life has increased dramatically. This is primarily due to my daughter learning to drive. God has been with us in the car and I am very thankful for that!!

Simple things like a road trip where after half an hour of silence the real conversations come out and you can get along side your children and really listen…then speak into their lives. I must admit, though I was once a teenager myself I had truly forgotten how much teenage boys grunt and now recall when the gift of selective hearing kicks in.

I also undertook training with the Dads4Kids team this past year. Malachi 4:6 is really the mission statement of Dads4Kids. It is very aligned with the core of aifc to bring healing and restoration to people, individuals and families with a specific focus on Men and Fathers so the devastating effects of the tsunami of Fatherlessness can be stopped and turned back.

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As we celebrate Fathers and the life giving importance of Fatherhood today, let me encourage you to reflect on your past 12 months and do so with a spirit of gratitude. Having gratitude is one of the keys that unlocks a door to growing as a Father and a son of the Father.

Have a great Fathers Day !

Nicholas Marks
CEO -aifc

Sources: Youtube 

Where to Get Help

If you’re struggling to cope as a father don’t do it alone. Talk to your doctor, your pastor or a close friend.

Visit CCAA to search for a Christian counsellor near you.

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For those who would like to enrol in aifc’s accredited Christian counselling courses we have two intakes per year for courses commencing around the following months:

• At The beginning of each year in February.
• Mid-Year courses commence in July.

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