Be An Encourager, Fathers Day - My Relationship With My Son

God the Father ... Loves His Children ... and He is also quick to .... encourage His children. (Long Pause)

And ... I learned that ... the hard way.

As a father ... you want the best for your children ... you want them to succeed.

To succeed ... at everything they do.

Kristin ... our first born .... was extremely motivated.

When she was told ... there was something that she probably would not be able to accomplish.

Well ... she would ... press on ... and do whatever it took ... to make it happen.

I tried this same approach with our second child.

Our son Justin ... through grade school had wonderful report cards.

When 7th grade ... junior high came ... his grades began to slip ... and I would ride him ... and to be honest ... I became extremely critical ... of his commitment ... to his schoolwork.

Shortly after school was completed that year ... my wife Lee came to me ... and said you need to get right ... with your son ... you need to spend time together ... and work this out.

So that summer ... we spent a week together fishing ... in Canada.

Something that we had done as a family ... in the past.

I know Lee was praying for both of us ... during that week.

And one evening ... while I stood under the stars looking toward the heavens ... God made it clear to me ... that I as a father ... Am called to be a light of encouragement ... especially to my family.

We had a wonderful time together in Canada ... it was a week ... with my son ... that I will always cherish.

Lee shared with me ... a few days after we got home ...that she had asked Justin ... how things were with your Dad?

His response was ... "Dad's my best friend". (Pause)

Yet I am sure that I have left scars on his life.

Each child or grandchild that God gives us ... is unique.

Justin ... needed an encouraging father ... and with encouragement ... he did well.

I had to be ... a light of encouragement. (Pause)

And our God ... speaks of encouragement ...throughout the Scriptures.

He encouraged Moses ... at the burning bush .... when He told him ... to deliver the nation of Israel.

He encouraged Joshua ...... as Joshua set out to conquer the Promised Land.

He not only encouraged them with His words, .... but with His presence, .... and His ... assistance.

Remember God's words to Joshua:

BIBLE "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you ... wherever you go." END Joshua 1:9

God encouraged Joshua ... and in turn the people ... to move forward ... and receive the blessing.

Sadly, .... many parents ... and grandparents, .... even those that call themselves followers of the Christ...., are more prone to send messages laced with criticism .... than with encouragement.

And we each need to be careful ... I need to be careful ... to be an encourager and not one seeking perfection in our children and grandchildren.