So I am currently listening to an audio book by John Eldridge “Fathered by God: Discover What Your Dad Could Never Teach You” and it is really, really good. I have read two previous books by him “The Sacred Romance” and “Wild at Heart” both of which I would highly recommend for anyone. I really enjoy the way he writes. He’s very real and honest about the struggles of a man and how deeply impacted we are by our relationship with our father no matter how good or bad it was. Not afraid to use words in a faith based book like “crap”, “sucks”, and “damn”. It’s refreshing. It’s got me thinking about a lot of things, some of which I may share here in the future, maybe not…we’ll see. But I was wondering…what was your relationship like with your dad? How has it impacted you in negative and positive ways? How does the relationship with your dad impact how you view God? Discuss below….
Follow me on this uncharted journey.
To be honest, I have never really connected my relationship with my father to my relationship with God… maybe because i have a really good relationship with my dad…
However, I have recently been thinking about why we call God Father, and who truly has that right. Actually 4 days ago I posted “Have you ever wondered…?” about why we call God Father… and I used the same photo as you have used above! I thought that was a funny coincidence
Thanks for sharing, enjoying your blog!
I’m lucky to have a great relationship with my Dad. He’s not one for giving affirming words to often, but when he does, they mean something. He worked a lot when I was a kid, but I never felt left out. When I got to be a Senior in HS, he and I really got to be close. Ever since then, we’ve had a real close relationship. He’s taught me all I know about how to stay calm. I can’t say I’ve ever seen him lose his cool. He was my best man at my wedding; ‘nuf said.
As for a comparison w/ my relationship with God, I can’t say I thought of it as I was forming my relationship w/ God. However, I can see how some people would have a hard time seeing God as our Father if they didn’t have a good relationship w/ their Dad.
I know that I probably need to read this book.. but honestly im kinda afraid of what it will make me have to experience to get through it.
I know we have talked at length at the poor relationship my dad and I have…and it is sometimes easier (not better) to just ignore it..and not deal with it.
looking forward to reading your thoughts on this book.
I had a great relationship with my dad. He was a pastor growing up, but not the kind you’ve probably ever seen. He was humble, shy and reserved, but when he preached… you could just tell God was with him, giving him strength he didn’t have himself. As my dad, he was much the same way, quiet and reserved, yet he was a great role model and a hard worker. So he impacted my life a lot, pointed me to Christ and continues to be a godly example by never giving up, despite facing some overwhelming obstacles.
Are there things I would change in my relationship with my little boy? Yeah, but not many. I was one of the lucky ones when it comes to great dads… I don’t take that lightly.