I haven’t had a post the last few weeks, because I have been too busy being a new father, again. Two days short of our 18th anniversary my wife began the process of giving birth to our 4th and 5th children. You might think that everything would be easier after years of experience, but the fear that I am too old to have babies to raise, especially twins, when others my age are sending their children off to college this fall hits hard. I know people older than us have had babies, but I still have to wrestle with the doubts of whether we are up for another 18-20 years.
I know the Bible says two are better than one, and there is no doubt that is true with twins. Two are better at using up diapers. Two are better at dirtying clothes and burp cloths. Two are certainly better at eating more. The thing two are probably best at is keeping you up all night because for some reason each one can sleep while the other keeps mom and dad awake and then they can swap. The good news is there are two of us as well and that is better. I know there are single parents out there struggling to raise kids and many of them are extraordinary people doing an extraordinary job, but God’s plan was for there to be two parents. And, without a doubt it is the best plan. With two, one can sleep while the other tends to the children’s needs. One can work while the other tends to those needs. They can encourage each other not to give up and pick one another up when one falls.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. (10) For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up. (11) Again, if two lie together, then they have heat: but how can one be warm alone? (12) And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.
There are major differences in men and women and in their parenting styles, and children need a man and a woman in their lives to help them be all they can be. One parent homes and homosexuality are highly correlated even if it has not been shown that there is a definite cause and effect. (That is not to say that there are not homosexuals who come from two parent homes.) The likelihood of drug and alcohol abuse, sexual immorality of all kinds, and criminal activities of various kinds is dramatically higher with children of single parent homes. As a father, if you have children make sure you are an active part of their lives if at all possible even if you are no longer with their mother. Even if you have not left your family as many men have it is possible that you are only present physically and not socially, morally, emotionally, and spiritually. Kids need dads! In the Bible whenever we read of a father who was not around much or was not involved for whatever reason, problems resulted. Look at Eli, Samuel, David, etc.
When God sent His Son to Earth, He surely chose the best woman to be the mother for Jesus, but He did not expect her to do it alone. He miraculously made sure that there would be a good, godly man in Jesus’ life. Even though Jesus was not Joseph’s flesh and blood, Joseph raised Him and helped make it possible for Him to live a perfect adult life. Whether it is a step-father, grandfather, uncle, or close family friend, a godly, masculine influence is healthy and beneficial for both boys and girls. Studies have shown the relationship between a girl’s relationship with her father and the amount of risky and sexually promiscuous behavior she engages in. Don’t wait get involved now!