I Am Proud to Be Your Father. I Trust You Are Glad I Am Your Dad!
This week we are focusing on Approval. Appreciation is expressed many times for a good job someone does or attempts to do. Approval is that emotional need that enjoys being welcomed into a relationship. Approval is commendation not just for what you do but for who you are….your character, your role, your presence.
One would think that Approval is commonly experienced, and I hope it is in your world, but for many it goes without saying or without being said.
Carol and I led a relationship workshop in Texas some time ago and gave the participants an assignment to be done during a break. We asked them to text or call a parent, grandparent, or sibling. In that communication we asked them to say something like this, “I am so glad you are my __(dad, mom, sister, etc )____, and I just wanted you to hear it from me. Hope you have a great day. Bye.”
We were blessed and at times shocked by the reactions shared with us. Some said the approval they voiced was met with tears of joy, with “thank you’s”, or in some cases with silence. We noticed raucous laughter and loud talk from one section – in particular. Two of the folks shared that they texted his Mom/her mother-in-law. Both texted the same person at around the same time to express Approval for this mom/mother-in-law being in their lives. Both said something like, “I am so glad you are my Mom (mother-in-law) and just wanted you to hear it from me.”
Well, after the calls, the Mom freaked out and started checking with other relatives to see if they knew what was going on with her son and daughter-in-law. Apparently someone in the family contacted the workshop couple soon after the mother freaked out. Quickly the couple called the Mom to let her know that they were ok. The mom thought they were suicidal and contacted her on their way out!!
Now, I know that is extreme, and we asked folks in subsequent workshops to let the one contacted know that all was well and that they were completing an exercise the conference leader asked them to do. I don’t think we had any more “near 911 calls” generated after that. Momma was about to call 911 when she was stopped and calmed.
Without creating that kind of stir, perhaps you would want to practice Approval this week. I have attempted to let my family and friends know periodically that I am so glad to be the dad, husband, friend, pastor, or relative of those in my life and to let them know some of what they mean to me.
Are you glad to be in the family? Are you glad to be in God’s family by faith in Jesus? What about telling God that you are happy to be His! How about telling your kids that you are “happy to be daddy”. Once in awhile my sweet family returns the favor to let me know they are glad I am Dad/Husband. Some of our friends show approval and let Carol and me know they are glad we are in their lives. Loving and being loved surely does feel good, doesn’t it? When you love someone, they shouldn’t have to guess or hope you do. They should know it. You should show it clearly.
Thank God, Who is love! He started it. I John 4:16, 18, 19
Happy Father’s Day – Honor your father (living or deceased) by remembering the good things he did / does for you or at least tried/tries to do. Where he has wronged you, forgive him even if he never asks for it.
Where you have wronged him, ask for his forgiveness after you have first sought and received forgiveness-where appropriate- from your heavenly Father.
These steps will make for perhaps the happiest Father’s Day you have had so far.