Confessions Of Dad

Harry Chapin wrote a song back in the 70's called "Cat's In The Cradle".  It always got me choked up, but now looking back on my years as a father it pulls on my heart's strings even more.  Take a look at the lyrics to this song:

My child arrived just the other day

He came to the world in the usual way

But there were planes to catch and bills to pay

He learned to walk while I was away

And he was talkin' 'fore I knew it, and as he grew

He'd say "I'm gonna be like you dad

You know I'm gonna be like you"

And the cat's in the cradle and the silver spoon

Little boy blue and the man on the moon

When you comin' home dad?

I don't know when, but we'll get together then son

You know we'll have a good time then

My son turned ten just the other day

He said, "Thanks for the ball, Dad, come on let's play

Can you teach me to throw", I said "Not today

I got a lot to do", he said, "That's ok"

And he walked away but his smile never dimmed

And said, "I'm gonna be like him, yeah

You know I'm gonna be like him"

And the cat's in the cradle and the silver spoon

Little boy blue and the man on the moon

When you comin' home son?

I don't know when, but we'll get together then son

You know we'll have a good time then

Well, he came home from college just the other day

So much like a man I just had to say

"Son, I'm proud of you, can you sit for a while?"

He shook his head and said with a smile

"What I'd really like, Dad, is to borrow the car keys

See you later, can I have them please?"

And the cat's in the cradle and the silver spoon

Little boy blue and the man on the moon

When you comin' home son?

I don't know when, but we'll get together then son

You know we'll have a good time then

I've long since retired, my son's moved away

I called him up just the other day

I said, "I'd like to see you if you don't mind"

He said, "I'd love to, Dad, if I can find the time

You see my new job's a hassle and kids have the flu

But it's sure nice talking to you, Dad

It's been sure nice talking to you"

And as I hung up the phone it occurred to me

He'd grown up just like me

My boy was just like me

And the cat's in the cradle and the silver spoon

Little boy blue and the man on the moon

When you comin' home son?

I don't know when, but we'll get together then son

You know we'll have a good time then.

I'm not disappointed with my years as a father, I feel as if I have done a fairly good job instructing my kids and being there for them, supporting and providing for their needs.  And yet at times I still wonder if I'm doing alright by them.  Don't get me wrong, I'm not coming from a place of sadness or regret, just asking myself those hard questions that help a person to grow.

I told a man just last night that the best advice I could give him on being a good father is to repent often when  you make a mistake, and own up to your mistakes with your kids.  I've often been amazed at how many men think their children are just stupid by trying to cover up their mistakes instead of just asking their children to forgive them when they happen, (and they do happen more often than I would like to admit).  I may not have always done everything right with my kids, but this one thing I did, and I feel it has made my kids better because of it.

As Christmas season comes at us full bore, it can be easy to take things out on your kids, try to not let that happen, but when it does (and it will) be quick to repent and to forgive, and show your kids the way a real man handles the stress.  You can do this, there is greatness in you just waiting to come forth.  For the Kingdom and the King!