Batman, Superman, Spider-man, Iron Man, Nemo are mega movies that have captivated the attention and wallet of boys and men. Deep inside all of us is an insatiable desire to be a hero - someone to rescue and conquer the trophy.
Rick was born in 1962 to Dick and Judy Hoyt. As a result of oxygen deprivation to Rick's brain at the time of his birth, Rick was diagnosed as a quadriplegic with cerebral palsy. Rick's parents were told that Rick will never live a "normal" life.
Dick, a Lt. Colonel from the Air National Guard, was not a father to give up so easily. With $5,000 in 1972 and a skilled group of engineers, an interactive computer was built for Rick. When the computer was brought home, Rick surprised everyone with his first "spoken" words: "Go, Bruins!"
In the spring of 1977, Rick told his father that he wanted to participate in a 5-mile benefit run for a player who had been paralyzed in an accident. Far from being a long-distance runner, Dick agreed to push Rick in his wheelchair and they finished all 5 miles, coming in next to last. That night, Rick told his father, "Dad, when I'm running, it feels like I'm not handicapped."
This realization was just the beginning of what would become over 1,000 races completed, including marathons, decathlons and triathlons. Also adding to their list of achievements, Dick and Rick biked and ran across the U.S. in 1992, completing a full 3,735 miles in 45 days.
Heaven forbid that any father has to experience what Dick and Rick had to go through. But every father has a chance to become a real life Superhero for his children. Let me share with you five Ps that will make you a superhero dad.
1. Priest. The first and foremost task a father is called to be a priest to his family. It simply means you become the spiritual leader of your household. A father is a picture of God on earth. When you sit with your Bible every morning, when you call upon God every day and worship Him, when you love your wife the way God treats her - you're being a priest in your home. The environment you create in your home - your family will follow. If you're hard, critical and judgmental don't be surprised if your kids grow up to be that way. But if you're kind, patient and live by Godly standards, they will follow your footstep also.
2. Parent. I know many fathers that abdicate their parental duties to the mother. While it is normal for mothers to love, cherish and nurture their children, we as fathers cannot be bystanders. We must get involved in what they're watching, what they're listening to, what they're wearing and what they're saying. This may not be the cool thing to do but it will certainly save you and your child a ton of headaches to come.
3. Provider. Most fathers do an excellent job providing for their families financially. It is very commendable that you work so hard, faithfully and relentlessly to bring home the bacon. But God has commissioned us fathers also to be available for our family, emotionally. God cares for our body, mind, spirit and soul and we must do the same for our families. Spending time together, listening without interruption, going on dates with your spouse and children are fine ways to provide for your family emotionally.
4. Playmate. You must have heard the saying, "A family that prays together, stays together." That is very true. But I also like to say, "A family that plays together, stays together." Don't always work late hours, seven days a week - coming home to give the left-over to your family. You must work hard but also take time to play hard. The memories you intentionally make for your children will be remembered for generations to come. Plan some fun outings. When you're home, get off the internet; turn off the TV and the cell phone. Bring out the board games; go for hikes, rides and swimming. Remember, if you don't spend time with your family, someone else will.
5. Protector. Last but not the least, we must protect our family. The biggest attack we're facing in our days is not a terrorist attack or an economic meltdown, but an attack on our families. As a father and a husband, it is your God-given duty to defend your family. Protect them from enemy outside the family but even more so within your own family. Never take your family for granted. Speak only kind words. Overlook the petty stuff. Pursue peace at all cost and do not let strife sneak into your home. You wouldn't open the door to a stranger who is going to harm your family. Why would you allow anger, pettiness, and strife to come into your house? One translation of the Bible says, Give up the low life.
Fathers, God entrusted you with your children because He knew there's no one else in this world that will do a better job than you. God knows you're not perfect. He covers your mistakes. He is your role model. But you have to come out of your shell and step up to the plate. You've got what it takes! You can do the impossible. You're brave, you're strong and you're courageous. You're a priest, parent, provider, playmate and protector of your family. You can do all things through Christ who strengthens you.
Happy Father's Day!
PS: It's never too late to be a Superhero dad!
Sandy Anderson is the President of Build International Ministries. He is a writer, speaker, and minister. He has traveled to over 40 countries in Asia and Europe.
Sandy's life aspiration is to empower others to become all that God created them to be. His Life Lessons Radio broadcast reaches millions in Asia.
Sandy is based in Grand Prairie, Texas, U.S.A.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sandy_Jaimashi_Anderson