Lessons from Fatherhood

There are so many valuable things that I've learned from my father in law. What I'm about to share with you is a jewel out of that treasure chest. He calls it 'H2O' and it's an acronym he uses for "Honesty, Humility and Obedience." For some reason, dad loves acronyms... maybe it's a good way to remember things (i'd say it's working).

He told me once that "the Holy Spirit is likened to 'water' and the chemical properties for water are 'H2O.' So thinking of that formula, I'm reminded that there are really three things that will allow the 'water,' or Holy Spirit, to flow in our lives: humility, honesty and obedience." These words stuck with me from the moment he shared them–and now as a husband and father, I've found them to be even more relevant.

As a husband and father, I've been realizing more and more how desperately I need 'the water.' In efforts to love and serve my wife and children, I realize how profoundly I need the Spirit of God in my everyday life–in every way. In the 16 years I've been a dad, and 5 years I've been married (don't do the math... I know... I started this thing quite backwards and have suffered for it), I have seen that "humility, honesty and obedience" really allow the Holy Spirit to flow. This is not to somehow boil God down to a simple formula we can manipulate to somehow bend Him to our will. But no, this is where in humility, we realize our deep need for Him and then are honest and transparent with ourselves, God and others. These things really foster union with the Spirit and allow grace to flow to us and bring us all the things we lack–ultimately empowering us to walk out The Will of God.

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” –Matthew 11:28-30 (NIV)