A father's reliance

On this Father's Day I've been battling feeling overwhelmed. The responsibility, the financial provision, the mentoring and nurturing, etc... of the 5 beautiful children God has blessed me with. I love them and am thankful for them, and I'm battling a thought that they need and will need more than I can provide.

Can anyone relate?

Is this thought true?

Do I have what they need? I've spent some time reflecting and praying about these thoughts and emotions and I've come to the conclusion that this is partly about a false belief that I am expected to have ALL that they need at ONE time. In other words, the sum total of their collective need is required right now. The truth is, it's not. Their need and my provision are in the moment and come one day at a time. Just being here in each of these days is a huge first step, and we can discover what they need and what I have at the same time. For better or worse, but being there for them and building in that sense of security that no matter the need or the situation, they can bring it to their dad.

But then, I am struck with another false belief. That I will have what they need in those moments. Is feeling inadequate a bad thing? As I reflect on my Heavenly Father and my relationship with Him, I am becoming convinced that it is perfectly proper and accurate to feel that I will come up short in my capacity...that is if I am relying on myself. But what if fatherhood is yet another opportunity to put my reliance in Him? His joy, His patience, His provision!And what if in knowing me as a father that is reliant on Him, that my children actually learn where their real provision comes from? Beyond the shadow of fear and insecurity is the light of truth that I am nothing without my Heavenly Father and I am completely reliant on Him! In this reliance, I am filled with hope, faith, love and joy...and a desire to hear each need and see it as an opportunity for me and my children to be reliant on Him. Happy Father's Day!