When You Thought I Wasn't Looking
Being a dad is a 24/7 job.
It’s not easy being a dad. Okay, sometimes it’s easy, like when you’re firing up the grill for the family or watching the kids rip open Christmas presents or planning the perfect family vacation.
Sometimes it’s not that fun or easy. Changing messy diapers. Last minute schedule changes that test a man’s ability to balance work and home. House repairs continually calling. Financial planning. Terrible twos and testy teens. Being a dad, however, is a 24/7 job. Dads can’t just flip a switch and take a break when the going gets tough.
There’s a Bible verse in Proverbs that says, “My son, give me your heart and let your eyes keep to my ways” (23:26). A father who wants the heart of his child and asks his child to always watch and learn – that man must realize that a child is so vulnerable, so willing to give his or her heart to dad, so eager to trust in dad, and so proud to walk in dad’s steps.
Here’s a poem reminding dads that vulnerable, willing, eager hearts and eyes are always watching:
When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw you hang my first painting on the refrigerator, and I immediately wanted to paint another one.
When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw you feed a stray cat, and I learned that it was good to be kind to God’s creatures.
When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw you grill the perfect burger the way I like it, and I learned that love remembers the little things.
When you thought I wasn’t looking, I heard you say a prayer, and I learned I could trust in God and talk to him.
When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw you make a meal and take it to a friend who was sick, and I learned that we all have to help take care of each other.
When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw you give of your time and money to help people who had nothing, and I learned that those who have something should give to those who don’t.
When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw you take care of our house and everyone in it and I learned we have to take care of what we are given.
When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw how you handled your responsibilities, even when you didn’t feel good, and I learned that I would have to be responsible when I grow up.
When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw tears come from your eyes, and I learned that sometimes things hurt, but it’s all right to cry.
When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw that you cared, and I wanted to feel that way about people too.
When you thought I wasn’t looking, I watched you and realized the person I wanted to become.*
Fathers, take heart, that even though your example of Christian faith and love has, at times, faltered God still wants you to be a protector, a provider, and Christian role model for your children. God is the perfectly faithful Father to you and your children, and they see him through you.
Isaac watched Abraham, and learned to believe in everything God says. Joseph watched Jacob, and learned to follow God’s ways. Solomon watched David, and learned how to pray. John the Baptist watched Zechariah, and learned to serve God. Even Jesus learned from Joseph, watching him care for ones he loved.
Who is watching you?
PRAYER: Thank you for Fathers, dear Lord, and their loving care, protection, and leadership. Bless them today and always as they reflect your heart and lead their children in the paths of faith, hope, and love. Guide them when their way is clouded, and give them strength when their responsibilities multiply. And let their children honor them, respect them, and learn from them what they have learned from you. Amen.
*(Poem adapted from “Homiletics,” May/June 2007, p. 65, Communication Resources, Canton, OH).