Father’s Day

Father's Day for many of us in recovery can be a difficult day. A day when we remember the mistakes of our earthly fathers and the pains of our past.

Today I was drawn to the story of Noah, and his relationship with his three sons, Shem, Ham, and Japheth.

Noah was a man who was obedient to God. Building a huge boat, despite facing ridicule. Obeying God and teaching his three sons to do the same. Then following the flood receding becoming a farmer, working the land and one day making a mistake his sons could see plainly. Getting drunk on his home made wine and ending up naked in his tent Genesis 9:18-23. The Bible tells us Noah then lived another 350 years after the flood. One would assume in that time he didn't stop being a father and continued his relationship with his sons.

As I read the story of Noah and his sons I asked myself 'What are the lessons here for me as a father of three beautiful children?'

The answers:

1. Obeying God is a lifelong commitment and I need to be in it for the long haul.
   
2. To teach my children right I must 'lead by example' I can't have two sets of rules. The Bible is clear on how we should live.
   
3. If Noah, a righteous man, God's man can give in to the excesses of alcohol I must continually be on my guard to avoid becoming vulnerable to the temptations that exist in my life.
   
4. It's okay to make a mistake as long as I recognise it, confess it to God and make restitution when I am required to do so.