A Walk With My Dog

I went on a walk tonight with my dog. We walked in an area that I haven't been to in many years. In fact, the last time I was there was when my sons were still in Cub Scouts.

It triggered a memory for me about that place. I figured that I was on a nice evening stroll but God was reminding me of some lessons He taught me.

When my sons were very young we were in that very same area where I was walking with my dog. My youngest son had done something that upset me. Nothing of importance and certainly nothing that warranted the response he received from me. I yelled at him. I really let him have it.

It is very interesting to me how our minds can have such acute clarity for things that are generally negative. But I remembered, as I stood there with my dog, the look my boy gave me after I had yelled at him.

I know that my son doesn't even remember this incident. But I do. And I replayed it tonight in my mind as I stood there with my dog. The irony for me was that I treated my dog better on this evening than I had my own son so many years earlier.

I hate that moment. I hate that I failed my son that evening. I callously hurt him with my words for some very minor offense that I really should have overlooked. As I said, I know that he doesn't even remember this moment. But I do.

I recalled it tonight. I was reminded that I am a work in progress. I know that our greatest role as a dad is to encourage and build up our kids. When we verbally tear them down we are only revealing how small we really are.

It is a funny thing how a simple walk with your dog can turn into a very powerful moment where God is reminding you of important truths. The most important ministry I have is with my children. Their salvation is my number one priority.

Children are given to us like emotional putty. And we are expected as dads to mold and shape that gift into a confident, strong, God-fearing adult. We are not expected to drop that putty in the dirt and trample it.

If you are a father, realize the gift you have in your children. They are from the abundant grace of our Heavenly Father. Bless them and encourage them.