At the end of a long day, he starts his next job of husband and father. Helping little guy get his gear ready for whatever sport he's in, sitting through hours of practices encouraging him to do his best, cooking our family dinner. Being available if Bubba needs to chat about the military, being a husband or being a father himself. Listening to me drone on and on about where we need to be, what we need to do and what is on his list.
His head won’t hit the pillow until he spends a couple of hours trying to unwind from the stress of the day, maybe catching a re-run game on ESPN. Most likely planning for the upcoming football season and all it brings.
He starts it all over again the next day.
He gives and he gives. And then he gives some more.
He is tired, weary from all the giving and yet he continues to father on.
My eyes fill sometimes as I run my hand over his broad shoulders carrying the weight, shielding our family, offering protection and provision.
With a word, I can add to his load or lighten it. I can demand more money, more time, more stuff, more, more, more and with every complaint, I weigh him down.
Or I can ease the burden by encouraging and whispering, reminding him:
you are enough, thank you, I trust you, thank you for giving, you are doing a great job.
My husband is a better father when I’m a better wife.
Here is how you can encourage your husband as a father:
- Tell him you respect him
- Even better, show him: don’t question or scrutinize every action he takes
- Trust him as a father: let him have a say in parenting decisions
- Thank him regularly for being there.
- Give him a break: from the honey do’s and the house-encourage him to take time for himself
Happy Father's Day, Tim. We love you, honey!
Jen
Beautifully said. As much as I know this to be true and try to do it, it never hurts to be reminded not to take them for granted. Believe me. It happens to the best of us now and then.
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