I currently have young children. They have the amazing ability to cause so much love and yet, so much frustration simultaneously. Between short attention spans and innate selfishness, it’s easy to become impatient. “Don’t you realize that I can’t put new batteries in your toy right now because I’m busy making food for you?” “No, you can’t have a treat because you didn’t finish your food.” I often find myself in a catch 22 in which, whatever decision I make, I’m going to disappoint one or both of the kids. I have to prioritize the needs at hand and adjust accordingly. Then there are times, like this moment, when they are both content to curl up next to me and watch a movie or listen to me read a book.

My experience as a Dad has opened my eyes to the greatness of God and my failures as a human. While I lose my patience, God is patient toward us (Psalm 103:8, 2 Peter 3:9). No matter how many times I come to Him with the same questions, He hears me out and answers me (1 John 5:14-15, Psalm 145:18), even if it’s not always the answer that I want. I have also learned how difficult it is to balance giving my kids what they want versus what they need. Meanwhile, we know that every good gift we receive is from God (James 1:17) and He also provides for all our needs (Philippians 4:19). There are also times that I grow tired and have to sit down and rest while the kids want me to keep wrestling or running around with them. Thankfully, God doesn’t need to take a break when taking care of us, nor does He even want to (Psalm 121:3-4, Jeremiah 32:17, John 5:26). Children, much like adults, are not always the most honest, especially when they know the truth will provide consequences. It is sometimes difficult to decipher the full truth of a situation and be able to make a just verdict. As God is Omniscient, all knowing (Isaiah 46:9-10), and Omnipresent, everywhere simultaneously (Psalm 139:7-10), He not only knows what happened, but the whys behind it. Which is why He can make the just and wise decision on what needs to happen next (Romans 11:33).

The more I learn about parenting, the more I learn about the complexities of God the Father. I sometimes wonder if I’m doing a good job at being a dad. I was blessed to have a loving and caring dad growing up. Many of you, my dad included, don’t have a dad they can look up to or be proud of. One of Gods roles as Father is to comfort and care for you (Psalm 68:5). And you can know that unlike many fathers, He will never leave or forsake you (Hebrews 13:5-6). Even without an earthly example of a good dad, you can still do it as you lean on God for understanding.