Being A Daddy By Design

BEING A DADDY BY DESIGN

In Genesis chapter 1 and verse 1 we read "In the beginning God (have them help finish the verse) created the heavens and the earth."

In the beginning God created. He created the heavens and the earth. He created the light and then separated it from the darkness. He created an expanse between the waters and called it “sky”. He created dry land. He had the waters under the sky gather into one place. He had the earth bring forth plants: fruits, vegetables, trees, and all of that stuff. He created the sun moon and stars. God said, “let the waters swarm with living creatures,” and it did. He said, “let the earth produce living creatures,” and it did.

Then God said, let us make man in our own image. So, God created man in His own image.

God had all of the animals come before man, for man to name. Adam named them all, but there was none suitable as a companion for Adam. God said, “It is not good for man to be alone,” so He had a deep sleep come over Adam and while He slept, God took a rib from his side and made Eve from it. When Adam woke up, God brought Eve to Him. Adam stood there staring for a minute, rubbing his eves in disbelief. Finally a smile crept across his face and Adam, looking at what God had just created screamed, WOMAN.

God said, “I guess you’re pleased with the helpmeet I made you.” (That was a rhetorical question, because God knew exactly what Adam was thinking) Adam just stood there staring in disbelief until he finally caught his breath and answered, “God, Sir, You’ve outdone yourself this time. You did a great job with the sun and moon and all of those stars. I love all of these trees and this lovely garden you’ve placed me in. But God, this sure does beat all of that.

God replied, “Yeah, I thought you’d like her. But there’s a catch. I want you to be fruitful and multiply. I want you to father children.” I want you to be a Daddy.

From that day until this, we men have been confronted with mountains of boxes that bear the logo “some assembly required”. From that day until this, we have been unable to give our wives those little swats, and secret pinches we so love to give, without having to first look over our shoulders to make sure little eyes aren’t watching. From then until now, our days have been filled with finishing little one’s plates, searching for tools that mysteriously grow legs, attending innumerable children’s ball games, and sitting through music recitals that would be considered cruel and unusual punishment if forced on death row inmates. I can’t remember the last time I watched a TV program that wasn’t interrupted by the darting body of a dancing, or cart wheeling little boy.

But, you know what? I wouldn’t trade it for an instant and neither would you. Who among us would ever willingly miss out on the joy of wrestling with our children? Who among us would willingly miss out on having that little boy or girl wave to us as they cross home plate, walk across stage, or score one for their team? Which of us would willingly give up the feel of that little hand in ours, or the lump you get in your throat when that little one looks up into your eyes, trusting, believing you can do anything? Which of us would willingly give up that embrace and the long-delayed “thank you” you receive when your children grow up and begin to recognize all you’ve done for them? And you men with daughters, is there anything in the world like walking that beautifully dressed young woman down the isle and placing her hand in the hand of that undeserving, not good enough for your daughter, young man?

My dad was a manly man. He was a former Marine, and would tell you in a heartbeat. He was a sheriff’s deputy and didn’t take guff from anyone. I only saw my Dad cry 2 times in my life. The first time was the day I was ordained as a pastor and my dad was on my ordination council. He cried as he laid hands on me and prayed. The second was on the day I got married and my Dad saw me get the godly wife he had been praying for. Who would give up such experiences, such memories?

None of us would give that up, because God made us to be daddies. He designed us to be daddies. God gave us many tasks in the world, many jobs, many roles we are to play. We are to be witnesses for Him. We are to be men of God, godly men. We are to be godly husbands, loving our wives as Christ loved the church, but one of the most important tasks you and I can ever do is to be daddies.