My Dad is with Me
By Meg LundIn the morning I awake,
I know he is near.
To watch over and defend me,
I have nothing to fear.
I watch with great care
Every move that he makes.
I will grow to be like him,
Whatever it takes.
Joy of all joys,
He's in need of a hand
Can mine be strong enough,
to do the work of a man?
He looks and he smiles,
My day is complete
To do it for love,
All labor is sweet.
I have done it,
Oh, now I see.
As much as I need my dad,
So also, does he need me!
I am so happy and blessed,
My dad is with me.
The model for the man,
I one day will be.
God has entrusted fathers with the task of being an earthly representation of Himself to His children. Through their relationship with their fathers, children will learn to trust in God. The father will do the greatest part of educating his children in the Lord simply through his example.
God the Father is omnipresent. He is everywhere. We never need to feel that He isn't with us. He is ALWAYS with us, ALWAYS there to protect and defend us. We can be confident in every moment of every day that He is with us. A child also needs to know that his dad is there to protect and defend him. He needs to feel him close.
God the Father is all-knowing. All knowledge flows from Him. We should go to Him whenever we need to learn something new, and know that He will help us. A child needs to learn from his father. A loving father has the full attentiveness and respect of the child, and is in the best position to teach, by actions and words.
God the Father is all love. He sacrifices himself for His beloved. A young child can be told that daddy is out sacrificing himself for his family in his job, but it's very hard for him to comprehend. To him, all he knows is that daddy is away "at work" and there is important business out there in the big world. His small world seems unimportant to his father, and he can even feel unloved, despite the great love the father may truly have for him. On the other hand, actually seeing his father working for the good of the family all day, without complaining, will really impress on him the father's love. He will get to reciprocate that love when he can help out, too, thus feeling not only loved, but also as an important contributor to the family.
Truly reflecting God the Father to their children as defender, teacher and loving father may seem an overwhelming task, but God has promised that all graces necessary for your vocation are yours. Put your trust in His promise and YOUR Heavenly Father will see to all of your needs, and your reward will be great.