Last month as Father’s day was approaching my men’s group was discussing the importance of being around as a father. Not just being around physically but also truly “being there” when you are there. This reminded me of a precious moment that occurred nearly 13 years ago – a moment I will never forget.

We were living in Switzerland at the time and in the process of moving back to Atlanta. Wytana and the kids came back 3 weeks before I did as I needed to finish up a project at work.  At the time Derrick was 8, Alli was 5 and Cameron was 18 months. Shortly after they arrived back in the U.S. Wytana called me to tell me something was wrong with Cam – he would not leave her side.  She had to constantly hold him and if she had to take a break he would stand and grasp one of her legs and wouldn’t let go. 

It is now 3 weeks later and time for me to come home.  I got off the plane, headed for baggage claim and I saw Wytana and the kids in the distance – you can imagine the anticipation of seeing my family after 3 weeks apart. As I approached them, the moment I will never forget happened. When Cam saw me he lit up and practically jumped from Wytana’s arms to me and he hugged me like he never had before.

As soon as Cam saw me; as soon as he knew I was back; as soon he realized I had not left him he was fine.  Because he thought I left him there was no way he was going to let his mom leave him as well – so he held on and he wasn’t going to let go.  But as soon as he knew I was back he was back to being the happy toddler he used to be.

There are two great points in this story:

1.       Our kids need us dads so incredibly much.  They need us to be there physically and they need us to be there emotionally and they need us to lead them spiritually. As innocent 18 month olds they need our protection and comfort.  As rebellious teenagers they need our guidance and understanding. And as young adults they need our friendship and support. No matter how old they are they need their dads.

2.       Even though Cameron had no reassurances that his dad hadn’t left him we have complete assurance that our Father will not leave us.  He promises us this in Deuteronomy 31:8 “The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.””

Though sometimes it may feel as if he has left us, perhaps he has forgotten about us, he promises he is always with us.  So whatever you are going through right now hold on tight to our Father in Heaven and know he has not left you.  Not only can we be assured he won’t ever leave but we can trust him completely:

Jeremiah 29:11 ““For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.””

In His Service,

Ed