Why We’re Desperate for Good Dads

Bo Stern’s Blog features her blog post “Why We’re Desperate for Good Dads.”

I read her post and liked it a lot. I wanted to share it with the world, or at least on FB.  But I find myself hesitant to share random thoughts or things I like on FB, out of concern it will be perceived in the wrong light, for a variety of reasons.  One reason is I don’t want my former husband… yes, I still have difficulty using the term “ex,” or his family to think I am taking a crack at him.  I’m not. I simply agree with Bo, with all my heart, that good dads are a rare commodity these days. And, their value is underrated. Like water and sleep, in spite of the potential to have it in abundance (I’m talking about our current day America), we often don’t recognize the benefits of each to our overall well being.  Granted, things have changed substantially from 20 plus years ago.  So many of us carry water bottles with us to ensure we are getting what we need.  But even with that, drinking water is an education.  We must be intentional about it, almost forcing it on ourselves, or our children.  I call myself the water Nazi.  All summer the kids here my mantra: “8 ounces an hour and you won’t be sorry.”  I could go on and on with this topic, but I simply want to share Bo’s post right now.

Bo expressed her thoughts about dads, and shared Michelle Watson’s new book.  It’s easier for Bo to express herself about the need for great dads, because she has a great dad for her children.  It’s unlikely her comments will be suspect.  I would like my comments to be without suspicion that I’m targeting my own kids’ dad.  It’s true this is a sensitive topic for me, but our family aside, the topic is real and relevant, and the article is worth reading and considering.  I’d love to endorse Michelle’s book, but I haven’t read it.  But I do know Michelle (she goes to our church), and I can endorse her!

On a side note, I had a hard day yesterday.  So many things that need attention, and that familiar sense of being overwhelmed hit me hard.  But the day ended with such a happy note.  A couple of friends came over and with their help, the TV is hung, a large very heavy mirror is hung, (make that 2 heavy mirrors), a piano was moved, the couch was moved, a light fixture was hung from the ceiling, an armoire was moved, my son was picked up, taken, and picked up again from 2 activities, I prepared him chicken friend steak with amazing gravy, the dishes were done, a clock was hung, a plaque was hung, two art pieces were hung, a huge bucket, like 6 feet long, by 2 feet wide huge, filled with electrical things was assessed and emptied of junk I didn’t need… you get the idea.  So many tasks were completed that when they left I could see the forest through the trees… or whatever that cliche is, I could see it… I could move ahead with some clarity.

Before they came over, a friend texted and asked if I was o.k.  I have no idea why she asked that. Nothing had occurred to tip her off that in that moment I was working in the garage and simultaneously downing a sleeve of Oreos.  She asked, and I told. “It’s not my best day,” I texted.  She proceeded to engage me, and in some weird semi comical way, I slowly got out of the space I was in.  Shortly after our back and forth text and phone conversations is when my friends arrived and took on the heavy lifting therapy that I needed.

This morning I was filled with gratitude and relief.  I thanked God for who he is, I thanked God for the Oreos and chicken fried steak and gravy that I ate too much of, and I thanked God for the friends he brought into my path yesterday.

God knows us, and gets us. I guess that makes sense. He created us.

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12:

Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor. If they stumble, the first will lift up his friend—but woe to anyone who is alone when he falls and there is no one to help him get up.  Again, if two lie close together, they will keep warm, but how can only one stay warm?  If someone attacks one of them, the two of them together will resist. Furthermore, the tri-braided cord is not soon broken.

It’s a favorite verse of mine, because it illustrates God’s intention for us.  For us to give and receive, of each other.  I often hear a friend say how lonely they feel.  God intended us to live life with others, not as lone rangers.  It stands to reason that when we’re doing life alone, we would feel lonely.  I don’t very often feel lonely. I don’t know if I’m wired that way, or why that is.  But I do know that I rarely rarely rarely avoid a knock at the door, or a phone call.  I’m always glad I answered the door or picked up the phone (yikes.. do people ‘pick up phones anymore?’).  Last night, I did both, and I’m glad I did.