World's Greatest Dad (Long Winded Version)

I have times when I am a selfish Dad. There are times when I wanna just hang out in front of a football game or MMA match and I plan things accordingly.  I will 'treat' the kids to a dvd or two just so I know I can watch the game or matches with the least amount of interruptions.  There are times when the kids have gotten to stay up later because I was watching a night game and the kids got to stay up a lot later so I could see the end of the game and still get to do the night routine of prayers and laying beside each one before they fall asleep. 

There are times when I am a really selfish Dad.  Times that I misuse my time by playing video games or times where I don't do the things that are needed because I wanna sleep later.  There are the times when it is easier to pick up a pizza or subs on the way home instead of making supper. Or the times where I scold my kids for bothering me because I am trying to blog about the Love and Patience of Jesus.  (Kinda ironic, huh.)

And then there are times when I am a horribly selfish Dad.  Times that I lose my cool, feel over whelmed or feel sorry for myself.  Moments in which there is no reflection of Jesus in my words or actions, just my selfishness spewing all over the place. I often wind up apologizing for these moments or my wife and kids tell me how I have messed up.

I am a good Dad and I know it.  My wife and kids tell me so.  Friends and family tell me and Holy Spirit reminds me.  I know the times when I have sacrificed my time or my desires so my kids could do something or have something.  I know that is what a Dad does.  He makes sacrifices for his children so they can be blessed.

I am not writing this to hype up or diminish my parenting skills.  I am writing this to remind others and myself that God is an awesome Dad.  If I can do good things for Naomi,  Logan and Jensen, then I will bless them just to bless them.  My wife and I will treat the kids to a movie or a snack that they don't need, let alone deserve.  We do this because we wanna give them Joy, we wanna show our Love through our actions.

It is because of my selfishness as a Dad that helps me understand God's Love and generosity.  I know that I try to do what is best for my kids even with all my shortcomings and selfishness. Because I know this, I know that a Holy Dad is gonna do what is best for me.  I know that God will bless me.  Not because I am the best behaved kid.  Not because of anything I do as a child of God.  He will bless me because He is such an awesome Dad.

Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask Him!

Matthew 7.9-11