THE POET'S CORNER ARCHIVES

THE IDEAL DAD

The ideal Dad gets up every day;

If his knees will permit, he kneels down to pray,

Asking God's blessing on that day's path,

And not to provoke his children to wrath.

Searching for wisdom to nurture and lead,

A chapter or two of God's Word he'll read.

The ideal Dad heads out to work he must do,

To provide for his family things old and new.

Going out, he pats each sleeping child's cheek,

Waving goodbye as their sleepy eyes peek.

He kisses the wife and heads out the door,

Into the world and into the war.

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The ideal Dad keeps his path straight.

Role model for life is a task that won't wait.

The toddler goes clopping in Daddy's big shoes,

Perhaps when he's grown, Dad's path he will choose;

So Dad leads by example, "Just watch what I do."

Actions speak louder than words, it is true.

The ideal Dad speaks words fit to be heard,

No swearing and cussing, he lives out God's Word.

His words build up his children for life,

Not tearing them down in critical strife.

He takes his family to church every Sunday,

And goes out to live for the Lord every Monday.

The ideal Dad teaches work must done;

As his children grow up and leave one by one.

Little boys fix the car and go fishing with Dad.

That makes mowing the lawn not quite so bad.

Little girls do the dishes and help with house;

And dream of the day God brings a wonderful spouse.

The ideal Dad cherishes tears on his shoulder,

Dollies will break; and hearts, too, when they're older.

Games will be lost and games will be won,

Life's not always fair, and not always fun.

Talking to Dad reveals the way you should go,

How is he so wise?  How does he know?

It all goes back to how Dad starts his day,

Reading his Bible and stopping to pray.

His children will watch and probably feel,

"My Dad is not perfect; but, he's sure my ideal!"

Dedicated to Our Three Sons

Craig, Bradley, Douglas