Setting a model for our children to follow

CINDY TRANE CHRISTESON

“My father didn’t tell me how to live; he lived, and let me watch him

do it.”

-- CLARENCE BUDINGTON KELLAND

“Happy Daddy’s Day, Happy Daddy’s Day,” a little girl said as she

cheerfully greeted a man and a woman as they unloaded their white

car. I watched the cute reunion as I walked by last Saturday morning.

“How’s my little girl today?” the man asked as he bent down and

hugged and kissed the little girl, who wore pink pajamas and green

boots. She hugged and kissed the woman, too, and then skipped into

the house shouting, “Grandma and Grandpa are here, and they have

presents, too!”

As I walked around our neighborhood, I saw what seemed to be many

different happy reunions of family and friends. I saw men playing

baseball and basketball with eager little boys and girls, as well as

pushing strollers and swings, and many family members walking or

biking together.

I hope you all enjoyed Father’s Day and that you fathers or father

figures felt valued and appreciated. I was fortunate to enjoy a busy

weekend -- with and watching fathers. We had a delicious lunch and a

good time together at my in-laws. I especially enjoyed the prayer and

grace before the meal.

Besides thanking God for the men at the table and in our families,

my father-in-law prayed for all those who couldn’t be with their

families because they are overseas, fighting for freedom.

I attended church Saturday evening and was pleased that fathers

were acknowledged and thanked. I was also moved by a video, during

which children thanked their fathers for all they did, taught and

modeled.

The list included baseballs and bats, dolls and dresses, as well

as prayer and providing for their families. The service also included

a great message and wonderful music, including the hymn, “Great is

Thy Faithfulness,” and we were reminded that we have access to a

faithful God.

Sunday morning I attended another church and again enjoyed a

powerful sermon and worshipful music. Besides honoring the fathers,

we heard about the importance of children seeing that their parents

are “prayer-driven” people.

We were all challenged to be faithful and prayerful. I later

enjoyed another gathering and meal with my parents and family and

loved the interactions and fun. I am thankful for so many faithful

and prayerful men and women. I’m also thankful for the ways they

model God’s forgiveness and grace.

As I reflect back on what I heard and observed Saturday and

Sunday, I realize how important what we model is to our children; as

we’ve all heard, we need to “walk our talk.”

Some don’t have a positive relationship with their fathers, but we

all have access to a loving God, who longs to have a close

relationship with us. No earthly person is perfect, but God is. He

showed the ultimate example of love and sacrifice centuries ago, and

he also knows how it’s best for us to live today.

We may not be able to watch God like we can other people, but we

can get to know him, pray to him, learn from and listen to him and

let him guide us. Since God loved us enough to bless us with life, he

can show us how to live. God is great, and he is faithful.

And you can quote me on that.

* CINDY TRANE CHRISTESON is a Newport Beach resident who speaks

frequently to parenting groups. She may be reached via e-mail at

cindy@onthegrow.com or through the mail at 537 Newport Center Drive,

Box 505, Newport Beach, CA 92660.