Becoming an Intentional FatherSample

Roadblock #2: InertiaDo you recall the physics principle of inertia? A refresher: An object at rest tends to stay at rest, and an object in motion tends to stay in motion until a force acts on it sufficiently to move or stop it. In other words, if you’re stuck in neutral, it can be hard to get going. Gravity and friction are conspiring against you.

This is acutely true for fathers. Many of them have said to us, “I just don’t know where to start.” They want to be engaged and active dads. They’re just stuck.

If this is you, take heart. The forces acting against you can be easily overcome. The big secret: Begin.

I know that’s an amazing insight. You’re welcome.

You just need to start. Somewhere. Anywhere. Right where you are. God promises to give us His Holy Spirit to guide us along all of life’s paths. This includes being a father.

Let’s say you want to become a more engaged dad, but your history of ambivalence is hanging around your neck like a millstone. You’ve given in to thoughts like these:

• “I’d love to pray for my kids, but I’ve never done it before. I’m afraid they’ll think it’s weird.”
• “I’d like to be more engaged in their lives, but I’ve been so disconnected in the past. If I start prying into their lives, they’ll push back.”
• “I want to lead my children spiritually, but I’m no Bible genius. They’ll quickly find my soft spots and unmask me as a fraud.”

You know what? All these might be true. I’m not gonna lie to you. They might wonder, resist, or point out how sorry your feeble efforts are. That could happen.

But the beautiful part – when they do – and you welcome their skepticism or critique – it actually opens their hearts even more.

Our children don’t need us to be flawless. They just need us to be real. They need us to make an honest effort. They will see right through any fake façade. But they will also warm right up to any genuine attempt to lead.