Billy Coffey
Billy Coffey

Leaving a Path

April 14, 2010  

Photo by Ann Voskamp

Photo by Ann Voskamp

I’ve been a father for eight years now, but it was only last weekend when I finally figured out what exactly being a father meant. I had the basics down, of course. I knew a father was a guide and a shepherd and a protector. An encourager. And, for better or worse, the foundation for his children’s initial impression of God. Many theologians and pastors believe our opinions of our Heavenly Father are borrowed from our opinions of our earthly ones.

I agree with that, I really do. Which is why I approach my job with the utmost seriousness.

But like I said, I’ve struggled with what that all meant for the last eight years.

Then came Saturday evening, when I washed the truck and the car.

Part of my responsibility is to teach my children some of their own. We’re a family. A household. Four people who have to work together in order to keep things running in a smooth fashion.

Which means them pitching in wherever and whenever needed—clearing the dinner table, keeping their bedrooms clean, and, when their father is rushed, helping to wash the vehicles…

To read the rest of this post, follow me to HighCallingBlogs…

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Comments

  • http://www.maryaalgaard.blogspot.com mary aalgaard

    I need to read your blog to figure out what a good father looks like and sounds like. My own dad fell short for his daughters. The father of my children is a poor example. I wonder every day how my sons will figure out how to be good husbands and fathers. Are you writing a book on that?

  • http://wp.me/SVct Linda-NWGramma

    Great post! I wish my dad had been like you – realizing a dad’s responsibility and seeking God’s guidance for the sake of the little citizens you have in your care.
    God Bless you BillyCoffey – at being a dad and a writer.

  • http://jeffreyholton.blogspot.com/ Jeff Holton

    Oy.

    I go back and forth between thinking I *might* be a pathetic father (and then telling the requisite pessimism to shut up and get behind me) and actually *knowing* that I am.

    I pay a machine to wash the car. I may have to change this strategy, especially as the weather warms up.

    On a barely related note, I heard Uncle Cracker’s “Smile” for the first time during this morning’s commute. I almost had to pull over. I was right on the verge of crying, thinking about my kids. What an awesome song!

  • http://lexiconluvr.blogspot.com L.T. Elliot

    You manage to make the mundane the magnificent. I think you have a real knack for seeing past the film of the day-to-day and witnessesing the divine. Thank you for sharing your excellent sight.

  • http://www.endeanmom1.blogspot.com Beth E.

    It’s a fine line we walk as parents. Sounds as if you have the right balance, Billy!

  • http://www.chrissulli.com Chris

    You also have a knack for making other writers feel inadequate :) Really enjoy your writing