A Tribute to Fathers

You won’t find him trying to chase the devil
For money, fame, for power, out of greed
You won’t ever find him where the rest go
You will find him, you’ll find him next to me

Lyrics from the song “Next to Me,” by Emeli Sande’

He plays freeze tag the day after over time in the hospital with patients yelling at him.

Then he listens to his daughter for an hour, only nodding, only understanding.

After this, he reads 10 books to his 3 year old, and the same book 10 times to his 2 year old.

He builds and plays with a train set his 10 year old got as a prize for reading 100 library books.

After an hour enjoying the train set, he goes to his bedroom and prays for strength and energy.

Five minutes later, he bathes the youngest ones, singing all the songs they learned yesterday.

At dinner, he shares with his wife and children things God showed him about faith and obedience.

After dinner, he spends time with each of his children individually, letting them choose whatever topic they want t talk about, whatever game they want to play, and whatever book they want to read.

He puts all of his children to bed with a blessing of peace, and goes to his room to pray for energy.

Hours of sleep he’s gotten in the last 48 hours:  0.

How can he do it?

He loves them.

God loves Him.