YOU ARE THE HERO OF THEIR CHILDHOOD STORY
Your children will (if they haven’t already) give you this mantel, all you have to do is take it. All you have to do is, “Be the person she already thinks you are!” It is true, not just in Ant-Man, but in your life too!
You are a father. This did not happen by accident, no matter what the “science” says. You have been chosen to father a child of your own making and you are the perfect one to do it. So be encouraged that however you came to be the father of a child, you are of pivotal significance in the life of that child.
Believe it or not your kids will push boundaries, simply to see if you think they are worth the fight. SO, FIGHT! There is a world out there that is fighting for your child’s attention and loyalty, and if you aren’t doing anything to stop it, this world will chew up your children and spit them back out. But you can stop it; you can fight it.
You are the hero of their story.
Don’t get lost in your own self-doubt, or self-centeredness. Fight for your children whether you have boys, or girls. Girls specifically want to know if you think they are worth fighting for, but in our emasculating society your boys need you to fight for their manhood and show them how to get there. This world will do whatever it can to distract your boys from finding authentic manhood, so don’t let it. Both genders need someone to stand up and show them what it is to be a man. One is looking for a man to follow, and the other is looking for a man to emulate. You are that man.
God has given you a beautiful gift, not only in the mother of your children, but in the offspring, themselves. So, you have a responsibility. This doesn’t have to be overwhelming (if you’re not feeling that yet, just you wait). The excitement will turn to concern about doing it right or living up to your potential as a dad, but I want to reassure you:
You have what it takes to be a great dad!
As we’ve discussed C.A.S.T. your love upon your children in these ways (inspired by our comic book heroes):
Love their mother to the best of your ability for their sake, if not only for hers. They will grow up with a keener understanding of appropriate relationships (even if yours is strained), than if you constantly treat her as if she is not important to you. Remember their mother is one of the most important people in your child(ren)’s life.
Respect, and love (in the true sense of the word), the mother of your children regardless of your status with her. For the good of your children, the sake of the Lord, and for the betterment of your own relationship.
Rescue them when they think they need it, not only when you believe it to be required. Rally behind them, and rally their support for the right path for their lives and livelihood. Respond to them in appropriate ways: in tone, in kindness, in words, in love!
Engage with “your people; your city” on a daily basis. You are their hope, here on earth. You protect, provide, and they find pride in who you are. Consistently show them that you are proud that they are yours, and validate them as individuals and family members.
Make a big deal over your child(ren) for their own good. You don’t have to wear a costume (unless it will make a good point), and your entrances can be as modest, or immodest, as you’d like them to be, but your child(ren) saying things like “why are you acting like it’s the end of the world,” is not necessarily the worst thing that could happen. In many ways, their lives, or at least their character, truly do depend on it.
“WE ARE MEN OF ACTION…”
Dad… I challenge you to engage your child(ren) this week. Set aside time to: have a meal together; play a game together; hike a mountain together and lean into your role as the hero in their lives. Give them, not only your money, but your time and yourself.
You can do it! Engage your superhero skills with your kids this week!