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Valentine's Day list for husbands & fathers
___Other than chocolate and a gooshie card, what are you getting your sweetie for Valentine's Day? (Hey, guys, don't forget the holiday that falls between the Super Bowl and March Madness.)
___This time of year, almost any husband feels the terrific temptation to shop at some place like Victoria's Secret. However, before he rings up a sale on a little something that features
the sum and substance of cotton candy, he should ask an all-important question: Who'm I buying this for, her or me?
___Now, don't accuse me of being a cheapskate, but I've been thinking about love gifts that can't be bounded by ribbons and bows.
___This line of reasoning started when a friend sent out a round-robin e-mail seeking ideas for a speech on being a Christian father and husband.
___Reminds me of advice my preacher-daddy always gave: The best way to be a great husband is to be a wonderful father, and the best way to be a terrific father is to be a superb husband.
___While that might not sound very sexy to you, I happen to believe the most romantic place on the planet is a happy home.
___So, guys, don't forget the candy, flowers and baubles, but give your gal (and kids, if they're around) these three Valentine's presents:
___ Pray specifically and in depth for each of them every day. Part of the prayer should be cosmic--the big picture of how you yearn for God to bless them with a strong relationship with him, with spiritual growth and with a joy that comes only from a daily walk with the Savior. The other part of your prayer should be specific to the needs of their lives that day or week. Besides being a prayer, this is a form of accountability with God, to make certain you stay in close, intimate contact with the most important people in your life.
___ Make time to eat dinner together every evening possible, as well as Sunday lunch and any other meals that you can. If you're like me, you usually leave for work before the kids are awake and/or down for breakfast, and, of course, you're scattered at lunch five days a week. So, dinnertime is the best family time. Turn off the TV, and let the phone ring. This is your time for fun and laughter, as well as catching up on your lives and just enjoying each other's company. This is my favorite time of any day, no matter what else I do.
___ If you're raising a family, always remember: "These are the 'Good Ol' Days.' Don't waste them." Sure, you and your wife will have fun in the "empty nest," but nothing in life compares to the sheer happiness of fatherhood, and I can't imagine anything ever will--especially anything that is as ongoing and involved and important. So, remind yourself that, no matter what else is happening in your life, these are the special years you have to shape and enjoy your children, and try to make the most of them.
The Baptist Standard
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