I was talking with a dad recently on a familiar topic: the state of fatherhood today. Dads are abdicating their roles, and culture’s suffering (well documented). I asked him what I thought was an obvious question, “So, in light of all this – what do you think the ‘solution’ looks like?” He was thrown by my question. I was thrown by the fact that he was thrown. “Wow!? The ‘solution’? Man, I don’t know, hadn’t thought about that…” Huh? His response is familiar to us – we all have a tendency to know what the problems are but often don’t know how (or don’t try) to actually solve them. The Israelites “…murmured in their tents, and did not obey the voice of the LORD.” (Psalm 106:25) Notice how murmuring is contrasted with obedience. Hmm. Let’s not be murmuring in our basement offices. Let me conclude with some good news. If you’re a dad giving it his all, relying on God the Father, praying, trying, getting back up when you’re knocked down, guess what? You are already part of the solution. Way to go!

God the Father: 4 fatherly traits dads should emulate: To be a good father, you have to keep your word. Don’t break promises. We see the LORD remain faithful to His people in the Bible even when they didn’t return the favor. Be a dad who always fulfills his word.

God’s perspective may show us the impact of little moments: We can only see life through our own eyes. Yet, God sees the whole story. Sometimes, we think something “small” happened, but we left a great impact. It may be positive or negative. Let’s explore together how we can see life beyond the moment and lead our families to do the same.

“Complaining not only ruins everybody else’s day, it ruins the complainer’s day, too. The more we complain, the more unhappy we get.” – Dennis Prager

“You can’t blame things for being dark if the light bulbs aren’t working. So we’re complaining about the darkness when the bulbs aren’t working, and the Bible says that we are the light of the world.” – Tony Evans

Think of a solution. Well, ok, first, think of a problem. Right now, what’s one problem you have? Or, your family, neighborhood, church, company or the globe has? What’s one practical and personal way you can be part of the solution? Now, this week, go take that action. Maybe your task is so small that immediate, global and tectonic results aren’t visible. That’s ok. You’ll sleep better (and so will those around you) knowing you were at least a small part of the solution.

Kent Evans
Author of The Manhood Journey, co-founder of Manhood Journey and Father On Purpose.

P.S. Was this Mountain Monday helpful? Tell me if you love it, hate it, or if there’s something you’d like in the next one.

Forward this to a dad you know who needs some encouragement.