richardmpotter
17p
5 comments posted · 1 followers · following 0
15 years ago @ Shooting the Breeze - Was Jesus an interrupter? · 1 reply · +1 points
15 years ago @ Michael Hyatt Blog - Your To-Do List as a P... · 1 reply · +2 points
15 years ago @ Cole Ruddick - Prevailing Through Per... · 0 replies · +1 points
At this stage in our children's lives, LETTING GO is very important. Last month we sent our son to Mexico to volunteer for a youth agency there. Today we put our daughter on a plane to South Africa to work with AIDS orphans for two weeks. Both kids earned and raised the money they needed for their adventures. They have grown to be very respectful, resourceful people and I am very proud of both of them.
Letting go of my daughter feels much more difficult than letting go of my son. Is that a father-daughter thing? I don't know. But I do know that it's essential to good parenting. If we cling too tightly, they'll never experience the joy of becoming who they are meant to be!
My recent post When Your Purpose Doesn’t Feel So Good
15 years ago @ Stuff Christians Like ... - #271. Being afraid to ... · 0 replies · +1 points
15 years ago @ Cole Ruddick - The Meaning of Fatherhood · 2 replies · +2 points
On July 13 my 17-year-old daughter will leave for two weeks in South Africa where she and a handful of her high school classmates will serve AIDS orphans in the Transkei region. They have been planning this trip for two years, working hard and saving money for the trip. I'll get to hear about her experience on July 26. A double-dose, two for one in a single summer!
How did I get to this point as a father, to have two teen-aged children who have such big hearts to serve others? If I had tried to do it on my own I'm certain I would have failed. Thankfully, for the last dozen years, my wife and I have been part of a community of like-minded, service-oriented friends. We challenge and encourage each other. We help each other when needs arise. For us, the community is a church; I have a good friend whose community is an Alcoholics Anonymous group. The main thing is, to be seeking out the Creator and asking, What can I do to give glory and honor to You?
That's what being a father is to me. All earthly fathers fall short. The best thing we can do is the best we can do, and to be sure to point our children toward the only Perfect Parent, God in heaven.