Fathers, do not stir up anger in the hearts of your children, but bring them up in the teaching and counsel of God (Ephesians 6:4)
What follows is one of the saddest stories I have ever heard. A father wants to leave his baby child at a daycare before going to work, but he has a lot on his mind and forgets about his child. Left alone in the car, the baby girl eventually died from the intense heat. For the rest of his life the baby's father had to endure these painful memories.
While this father inadvertently forgot his child, many other fathers also forgot their children on purpose--allowing the children to pursue their own selfish desires. They forgot about their children since they had an affair. They forget their children when they are absorbed in various pleasures, or preoccupied with work, money, sports, or other distractions. In those moments, children are neglected and deprived of the guidance only a father can give.
The role of a father in a child's life is enormous. He must build up his children by providing instruction, protection, help, care, friendship, guidance, love, discipline and example. A good father must always be ready to give good advice and show wisdom in guiding his children (Proverbs 3:1-12). But a father cannot do that if he neglects his children by busying himself with activities that only please himself.
Father, don't forget your children. They need you [JDB]
IS HIMSELF
* Take from Daily Reflections