Guest Post: The Little Things a Dad Does

I want to say, "Thank you" to my wife, Haley, for letting me use her blog.  She is the reason I am the man I am today.  

I know the truth in this world can be painful.  It seems like you see a single mom everywhere you look trying to raise her children without the help of a man who decided to leave for one reason or another.  We can't change the past.  All we can do is work on the present and encourage the Dads who are in the picture to start (or keep) fighting the good fight!  

For every Dad that's in the picture. I want you to ask yourself the real questions about being the leader in your home... 

• Am I seeking God and following His word, even when I don't want to?  
• Am I going above and beyond to show my wife I love her every day, even when I don't feel like it?  
• Do I take the time for my kids and tell them I love them every day, even if I'm busy with other things?  

I've learned that the best way to move forward and become a Dad that can make a positive influence is to have a close relationship with God.  If you do nothing else, start there, and the rest will follow.  I believe every man can improve his life;  I'm a living testimony.

My dad did a great job and we never wanted for anything;  but, he wasn't the spiritual leader in our home and growing up we didn't attend church.  That has since changed.  My parents now attend church regularly and they continue to grow in their faith.  (It's amazing how many lives can be changed by one person.  Thanks Haley!)  It's not that I didn't believe in God my whole life, the problem was I didn't know how to trust in God the way I do now.  I had to search deep into my past, answer some very difficult questions, and address some very painful things in my life before I could move forward and be the man God has called me to be.  I believe you have to address your past before you can begin to change.

So how do we Dads start fighting the good fight?  

1. By reading the bible (by yourself and with your kids) and praying with and for your wife everyday!  Your kids will learn the meaning of unconditional love that comes from our Heavenly Father.  It will also teach the kids how to pray when difficult situations arise in their lives.  
2. By treating your wife with respect and doing nice things for her (writing her an encouraging note, buying her flowers or chocolate or something else she likes, or taking the time to hear how her day went)!  By watching your example, your sons will learn how to treat a young lady when he begins to date, and your daughters will know they deserve a man that treats them as good as there Dad treats their mother.   
3. By taking time for the kids and telling them you love them, and how special they are!  You fill there little hearts with love which also builds their self esteem.  

Let me share with you one thing that I will never forget about my Dad.  He always told me he loved me. I'll never forget hearing the words "Dad loves you" over and over again.  The little things we do as Dads can make a huge impact on our children.  If you have little kids, it's important to start reading the bible with them now.  It's never too late to reconnect with God or your children.  Make time, not an excuse.  Tell them everyday how much you love them.  Remember, it's the little things you do.  Your family will shine when you become the leader of your home.