Fathers: Finish Each Day Strong

Scripture teaches that God has uniquely called and equipped men to lead their families. This is a serious and weighty responsibility, which also means it is an absolutely glorious one. But one challenge for husbands and fathers in this leading is that for many of you, you are absent from your home for forty or more hours per week as you work in your vocations. 

In the distant past, this was not always the case, as entire households often worked together. But gone are the days of working in the fields alongside your wife and children – for better and worse. So given this, what are you to do? How can you seek to still have the necessary influence in your homes? 

One answer is to make sure you are capitalizing on the moments you do have in the home, especially weekday evenings. This means that after a long day in the office or on the job site, coming home is not the time to simply check out and relax. Instead, one way to think faithfully about your day is in football terms. Clocking out at work is not the end of the game, but actually just the end of the third quarter, with your drive home being the break before you begin the fourth quarter. 

So with that analogy in mind, here is one practical suggestion and then questions to ask yourselves as you seek to finish strong with and for your families. 

First, make it part of your routine to settle your heart and mind on your way home. If you’re exhausted or stressed – say a prayer. Ask God to help you leave your work behind so that you can give your full attention to those who need you the most. 

Next, ask yourselves, when you come home, are you like a refreshing summer breeze to your wife and children? Or a harsh winter wind? Are you a reinforcement for your hard working wife, or another burden? Better yet – ask your wife these questions, and humbly receive her honest response.

This isn’t an easy task, but you did not sign up for easy. Your Lord says that all who follow Him must deny themselves and take up their cross. 

So get down on your knees and play. Help clean up after dinner. Instruct your families with an open Bible. Joyfully sing psalms. Read your kids bedtime stories and tuck them in. Sit and ask your wife about her day. And go to bed tired, thanking God for all the glorious gifts He has entrusted to your care.