Ever since finding out that my wife and I were having a child, I have thought often about this topic. Fatherhood is something that I have always longed for. Fatherhood was always something I would pray for growing up. Growing up in the Bible Belt, we always heard how Jesus is returning soon. While I fully believe that, I would often pray that God would allow me to become a father before Jesus returns.
While growing up, I feel as though God blessed me with one of the best fathers a kid could ask for. But he also blessed me with awesome Grandfathers who passed down to their kids the importance of Faith, Family, and Love. They lived what it looked like to follow Jesus, emphasize Family, and demonstrate Love. It is because of these great men that I always wanted the opportunity to be a father. Because of God’s Grace, he granted me that blessing.
Just before our son was born, my wife wanted his grandparents to write letters to him. My dad’s letter is one that always tugs at my heart as I read it on his wall. His words wrote, “As I sit here and think about your arrival, I think about the name SHEPARD. From your great grandaddy, Billy Joe, to your grandaddy, Lance and your dad, Auborn the name has stood for honesty, integrity, and character. We don’t have much to leave you but we have left you a good name!” He then included the verse Proverbs 20:7. As I read this card, I think about these adjectives to describe our family. I am so blessed to have a father and grandfathers who demonstrated honesty, integrity, and character. These values have shaped my life as a son, but also as a father.
As I sit and think about fatherhood, I cannot help but to go back in time as I just stood and watched Jeter sleep after being born. It was at that very moment I thanked God for allowing me to be a dad, allowing me to be his dad. As he turns one tomorrow, I cannot help but to think about how he has changed my life. He has made me a better husband to my wife, he has brought so much joy to our lives, and he never ceases to amaze me! From seeing him wake up and look for his mom and I in the mornings, to watching him learn new skills, to hearing him yell “Dadaaaaa” at the top of his lungs. I will never take for granted the opportunity God has given me to be his dad!
Growing up, I always wanted to be just like my dad. I’m sure the same was true for my dad as well. As I get older, and understand being a parent more and more, I realize just how much I want to be my son’s best friend. I see it more and more in my father as well. Just as much as I wanted to be just like him, he wanted me to be one of his best friends just as bad. The love of the Father is just as much as the love of the son. We see this in scripture with how God loves his children as well.
As I end this letter, I hope that this sparks in you the memories of your parents or even memories as a parent. I often pray over Jeter each night before bed. I pray that God will call him to salvation at a young age, I pray that God will give him a good nights sleep, I pray that he will have dreams of Jesus, and I pray that his angels will guard over him. I long for the day that he places his faith in Jesus Christ and becomes my brother in Christ!
God, thank you for allowing me the opportunity to be a dad. I pray that I always point him to who you are! Guide my wife and I in raising him to know you. Amen!