Sometimes he wakes before the sun to tackle the mountain of dishes in the sink. Occasionally he sends his wife to HomeGoods because she really needs to get out of the house. Don’t worry, he’s got the baby under control.
I know what makes a good husband, and ultimately a good daddy, because thankfully I have just that. Sure, he is flawed like everyone else, but he gives his all every day, and he honors God and protects what He’s entrusted him with. (This is apparent when he gets our baby ready for church on Sunday mornings so I can get myself ready. What a hero!)
I don’t think it’s a far reach at all to say that his faith in God makes him a great family man. As a Christian, his actions have clear direction. He is tenderhearted (Eph. 4:32) but strong. He’s slow to anger (James 1:19-20) and quick to lend a helping hand (Matt. 5:42). He leads his family in prayer and even discovered very early on that baby’s favorite song, “Resurrecting” by Elevation Worship, calms her immediately, no matter what’s going on or where we are. (Seriously, try it.) He trusts God every day despite any difficulties he faces.
Although our baby has countless Daddy shirts, they aren’t the reason he’s present and in the picture in a big way. The reason is Jesus.
The bottom line is this: A God-fearing man makes a wonderful husband and a great Daddy to someone teeny tiny — with or without the “Daddy’s princess” outfit. A baby could be clothed in daddy gear 365 days a year and it still wouldn’t mean a thing if he hasn’t made Christ the priority of his life. Once that’s clear, investing in a family, and leading them appropriately, comes naturally.
The onesie doesn’t make the dad. Rather, a dad is made by the Holy Spirit living in him.
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This post originally appeared at RaisinBabies.com, published with permission
