I'm Your Fault

My husband received a Father’s Day card from beloved daughter #2 with this message:

“Some psychologists say a DAD is the single MOST IMPORTANT element in the formation of a child’s character. In other words, I’m mostly your fault.”

We laughed when we read it but the words have been replaying in my mind and there is a core of truth in the concept. My husband is a “straight arrow.” He has received his God-given role to protect, provide and guide his family with unwavering faith and commitment. He has refined the ability to understand his life mission and to labor unceasingly to fulfill the stewardship the Lord entrusted to him. His example has provided his children with lessons in faith in our Father in Heaven and His plan for his children; integrity; unselfish dedication to others; hard, unceasing WORK; setting righteous priorities; the power in setting and steering toward eternal goals; steadiness amidst the storm; self-control; and, above all, the motivating power of unfeigned love.

Each of our children came to us with innate personality and characteristics; they were not unmolded clay. However, my husband’s influence as he has lived and taught a life submissive to our Heavenly Father is evident in the lives of each of our children. Much of what is GOOD in each of our children’s character is truly his fault!