Daily Wisdom 06-15-2002 Dad The Provider

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Dad The Provider

I suppose it isn't fair that I, a wife and mother, write today's devotional which extols the virtues of fatherhood. After all, just a few weeks earlier, we were shining the spotlight on mothers for their gift of nurturing love! Yet, if turn about is fair play, then how can the esteemed role of parent be given full justice if even a simple mother as I cannot praise, not only MY better half, but all the other men who value their title of "Father?"

While our children were toddlers, they were not fully aware of how their father gave every fiber of his being so they could have a good life. As do most wives and children, we often saw my husband as "provider." While I held the unseen banner of cook, housekeeper, teacher of ABC's and fixer of boo-boo's, our children's father was responsible for equally important jobs as making sure we had a roof over our heads, had food on the table, and clothes on our backs.

Let's face it; while men and women often share the modern work force, and mothers can certainly be "providers" in their own right, much of society sees fatherhood, not as a nurturing role, but one of "providing."

While pondering this stereotype, I thought it highly unfair to a large portion of male-kind, but when I looked at exactly what a "provider" is, I realized it is a most excellent and honored title which shares the company of, none other than, God Himself!

A provider is one who gives. While a provider can give out of obligation, a real father gives for one reason alone: love. He gives of himself, and of his time and energy, often forsaking much-needed sleep so that his loved ones can be healthy and happy. While mother may enjoy being taken out to dinner on HER day, hand dad a fishing pole or a newspaper and slippers, and tell him to just kick back and relax, and he feels like the king of his castle!

So too, is God a provider, offering us good gifts as mercy, grace, love and salvation!

Today, if you have a "provider" in your life, thank him for this precious gift of self-sacrifice.

Contributed by Melanie Schurr (Copyright (c)2003 Melanie Schurr) Melanie Schurr is author of "Ecstatic Living Ecstatic Loving: How to have more peace and joy in marriage, and life in general by walking in harmony with God," and "Son Salutations: A refreshing collection of modern inspirations for those who seek God each day." For more information, visit her web page at www.angelfire.com/mi/melschurr