Fathers, Manhood, and Bearing Up Under Burdens

When I was little, my sisters and I asked my dad to read us Harriet and the Roller Coaster before bed.

Every night.

For hundreds of nights.
Maybe thousands.

And every night, he would read it, and kiss us, and tuck us into bed.

The world talks much of personal expression, following your dreams, making sure that others do not trespass on your personal rights and privileges. It talks of satisfying your deepest longings, doing what makes you happy, and refusing to settle for anything less than what is best for you.

That kind of personal strength, which is willing to sacrifice anything and anyone who becomes an obstacle to true personal happiness, is a hoax. A terrible lie. And suffocating bondage.

And the toll that lie has taken on our men and fathers, and their families, is tremendous. (The toll, of course, is not limited to men. That's just the side I'm thinking about today.)

I'm so grateful I grew up with a daddy who showed us a different way. Us four little girls grew up with a true example of what manhood means.

Making sure Mom's car was always full of gas.
Paying the bills.
Showing up for work every day.
Showing up for supper most every night.
Showing up for church on Sundays (twice) and Wednesdays.
Showing up for our plays, ball games, and recitals.
Taking out the trash.
Making decisions for the good of others.
Serving at church.
Making us feel loved and secure.

There is a lot of thankless, tedious, dirty tasks and general hard work involved in responsible manhood. It's not a road for the faint of heart. And when the going gets tough, it becomes evident what fuel your service runs on. Is it some kind of personal agenda or satisfaction? Or is it drawing from the deep well of resources that God supplies?

I'm glad to be married to a man who commonly, daily, without fanfare bears up under burdens and bears us up too.

Happy Father's Day to the dads who have made such a difference to me!

Some other good thoughts on manhood and burdens.