“Establish my footsteps in Your word, and do not let any wrongdoing have power over me.” (Psalm 119:33 NASB)
I was texted a dozen or so photos a couple of days from a couple visiting Europe with their one-year-old son. There was one picture that caught my eye more than any of the others in the collection. If you saw how long I stared at the picture, and you did not know otherwise, you would have wondered if I was staring at a Van Gogh masterpiece on display at the Metropolitan Museum of Art or an old Egyptian work of art dating back to antiquity, and found in the Louvre, the largest and most popular art Museum in the world. Let me describe the picture.
The picture that caught my eye was a real time photo of the father walking with his one-year-old son down a street in Rome. Both the father and the son had their eyes looking in the same direction. Their hands were crossed identically behind their backs. Like soldiers walking according to a commanded cadence hollered out by a drill sergeant, they both were stepping with their right foot forward, marching in synch. As I looked at the picture, there were some differences. The father was clad in clothing that would definitely not hinder his walk, a tee shirt and a pair of shorts. The toddler was dressed in overalls, attire which he probably thought was hindering him. If he had an option, I’m sure he would have cast aside anything that could entangle him on their walk. However, I’m sure he was safe and guarded by his loving father.
It’s not Father’s Day! No! We have several months to go before that day comes around. But send this meditation to a father you know as a gift. Perhaps they will be encouraged by the example in the aforementioned picture; encouraged to responsibly prevent their sons and/or daughters from walking through the streets of life alone. Hopefully, they will be moved to be a more present and visible participant in the child’s life, guiding him in the right direction and instructing him, showing him, how to put their best foot forward. Prayerfully, the father will be clothed properly, clothed as the writer states in Hebrews 12:1 (NASB), “Laying aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us.” From my perspective, and in agreement with Scripture, the fathers are going to have to have their eyes fixed on Jesus, “the author and perfector of our faith (Hebrews 12:2 NASB).” All being well, it is my hope that the fathers and their children will be walking according to a cadence that is heard clearly when the former has no objection with the Lord ordering his steps.
To the fathers who read this, let me tell you something. You may not live in Europe. You may live in another continent. You may never stroll down the streets of Rome. Yet still, take heed to what you have read. Whether you live in a country or in the city, as you walk, remember your child will emulate your walk, consciously or unconsciously as they are indoctrinated and socialized in their young years. Finally, bless your child by walking them down the street that leads to the nearby place of worship in your geographical location today.
Train up your child dear fathers. Don’t just read what was passed on to you but react in a positive and proper way. Enjoy service this morning! Be blessed!
“Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” (Proverbs 22:6 KJV)
P.S. Single mothers, grandfathers and grandmothers, if you are assuming the father’s role, not by choice, what you read in the last paragraph above applies to you too! If you are saying, “You got your nerve,” let me correct you. “I have God!” Again, be blessed!
Still committed to the climb,
Mark L. King