When Jesus visits your home, He'll ask for you, dads.
Dads, right now you have a window of opportunity: The weather is warm enough to hike, and you can see a different kind of nature than you’ll be able to see for the rest of the year.
The lack of leaves make it so you can see things you might not normally be able to.
Bring your family out into it!
Dads, the next time you think, “Wow, my kids are really in a combative/whiny/angry/defensive mood right now”, consider – did you do or say anything that would lead your kids to act like that?
If so, acknowledge to them that you did this, tell them you’re moving away from it towards more Godly behavior, and invite them to join you.
This one is based on advice from my friend, Andy.
Dads, At all points in your adult life you should either have found, or are searching for the pastor who will do your funeral.
If you haven’t found at least one pastor at your church who you know well enough that you’d be pleased that he would serve for your funeral, you aren’t yet connected enough at your church.
Dads, teach your children: One of the most efficient ways to straighten a large area in a short amount of time is to make your bed.
Dads, as your kids learn that there are things that you rightly shouldn’t share with them, there are significantly fewer thing you shouldn’t share with Mom. In other words, your kids should know you have fewer secrets with your wife than with them.
Dads, you know that inspiring anecdote about Suzanne Wesley – how she prayed with her apron over her head and let her ten children know that when they found her like that, she was praying and wasn’t to be disturbed?
If you ever hear a busy mom talking about how difficult it is for her to find time to pray, refrain from using this story to advise her.
That is, unless (a) you’ve spent many days home alone with your kids, and/or (b) you’ve spent many days praying under an apron.
Dads, I’ve stated before that you should never say anything bad about your wife (or in the case of significant marital difficulty – tell it to one other person who you know to be wise).
I now advise you to make sure she knows that this is your rule for yourself.
Betrayal is sometimes an acceptable choice, but it’s almost never wise in a marriage.
Dads, look for opportunities to give your wife a hug.
Dads, as you’re taking down Christmas decorations, try leaving the Christmas lights up in the living room. It might add a little joy during the long winter nights.
If you don’t have any, go buy some right now – they’re 70 percent off at Target and Walmart!
Dads, here’s my once-a-December tip: During Advent, play down presents and encourage other more peaceful, hope-filled and Jesus-centered family activities.
Responsible Father 