The Wisdom of Fathers

Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. (Ephesians 6:4 ESV).

Tomorrow is Father’s Day! So, here’s a little “test” for all of you who are Dads. Give yourself a point for every one of these you've actually said to your kids!

Don't ask me, ask your mother.
Close the door -- were you raised in a barn?
You didn't beat me -- I let you win.
Big boys don't cry.
Don't worry, it's only blood.
I'll play catch after I read the paper.
A little dirt never hurt anyone, just wipe it off.
You call that a haircut?
"Hey" is for horses.
This will hurt me a lot more than it hurts you.
Turn off those lights -- do you think I'm made of money?
You call that noise "music"?
I'll tell you why -- because I said so, that's why!
Do what I say, not what I do.
If I've told you once, I've told you a thousand times.
C'mon, you throw like a girl.
You want something to do? I'll give you something to do.
This is your last warning!
I'd better get a good report, or you better head to Mexico.
What keeps those jeans of yours from falling off?
I'm not just talking to hear my own voice!
Don't believe everything you hear.
What do you think I am, a bank?
What part of NO don't you understand?
I don't care what other fathers are doing -- I'm not everybody else's father!
You're not leaving my house dressed like that!
If I catch you doing that one more time, I'll....
Act your age.
What did I just get finished telling you?

The higher you score, the more embarrassing your parenting might have been! Seriously, some of the things we fathers say are downright embarrassing when we think about it. But, in our finer moments, it is our intention to give advice that will shape our children into the people God wants them to be. Though our children don't believe we can relate to anything that goes on in their lives, we can. With what we have learned over the years by listening to others and the experience of making wrong decisions, we want to share with our children a wisdom that will keep them on the right path. Tomorrow call your children and express your unconditional love and encourage them. Don’t wait for them to call you… call them! Show them the love of your heavenly Father through your love. Happy Father’s Day!