What We Can All Learn from Good Dads

The strongest resistance I face every day is invisible. Every time I want to take a risk, do something bold, or make a big commitment, it gets right up in my face. It’s crippling, accusing, and limiting.

I face fear every day.

That must be why “do not fear” is the most repeated command in The Bible. God knows we need to hear it over and over again.

I’m not a father yet.

But I have noticed a trait I see in good dads. Good dads lovingly lead their children into things that are scary.

As much as it must pain a father to watch his kid scream, shake, and tremble, he knows his kids need to walk through fear to get to the good stuff.

I recently watched a father walk his young boy through a ropes course that led up to a towering zip line platform. As they moved, the dad walked in front of and behind his son depending on where they were. He paid attention to what his son needed from him. He watched the boy’s feet and told him where to step next. He held onto his son when he needed to let go of the ropes, and he kept saying “You got this buddy, don’t be afraid, you’re doing great!”

He knew the outcome would be worth it.

As they reached the top of the rickety tower, the boy’s fear was off the charts. From nearly 100 feet below, I could see his legs shaking as he wrapped his arms around the pole coming up the center of the platform.

At this point, a couple of the other kids were turning around in tears and going back down. Noticing this, his dad got down on his knee, leaned in close, and looked his boy in the eyes. I couldn’t hear what he was saying, but I could see his boy trying to believe him, nodding, and slowly walking closer to the edge. I could feel his heart pounding from where I stood on the ground.

Even as a grown man who hasn’t been to summer camp for a long time, I haven’t forgotten what that feels like.

Probably because life feels like a rope course.

I’m still trying to figure out where to put my feet, still afraid to let go of the ropes, and I’m always wondering whether or not the steel cable holding me up is legit. I’m weary of the great heights that success, love, and adventure all entail because it’s a long way down from the top.

When the kid finally jumped off the platform and took a wild ride over the top of my head, it moved me. It reminded me that God is the ultimate good dad. He watches over our steps, He knows what we need, and He is more trustworthy than a steel cable.

The look on the kid’s face when he came down assured me of one thing: We were made to walk through fear. All the good stuff is waiting on us.

What We Can All Learn from Good Dads is a post from: Storyline Blog