She stands at the window, waiting. I can see her little foot stamp in frustration, her pudgy hands leaving their telltale marks on the glass. She whines. Her older two siblings are squabbling about who has first dibs on some book, while I'm trying to concoct a secret sauce to create dinner magic with two potatoes and Ramen noodles.
It's the Cranky Hour in our house, the one that exists before Dad gets home, when the kids are tired and I'm trying to juggle it all. And then we get the call, the one that says, "I'm just around the corner." The kids and I rush out the door and wait in the driveway, with the youngest screaming, "Daddy's home!" We wave, and he honks. There's welcoming and kissing.
And then the house sighs. Dad is home. Everything is right.
My husband's daily actions and presence in our home are creating deep meaningful memories for our children and altering their lives. It's one of my favorite things about married life: watching him love them.
Dads are amazing: They work extremely hard (the average is 51 hours a week), shouldering pressure and balancing work and family. In a study of fathers' interaction with their children, nearly 90 percent of the fathers surveyed said that being a father is the most fulfilling role a man can have.
Some fathers do some things better than others, capitalizing on different strengths. But God created men in His image and encapsulated unique gifts in them, gifts that come alive when men become dads.
My kids' dad isn't perfect. He's gifted at ignoring his pile of dirty clothes and riling up the kids to chaotic activity right before bed. But there are a few gifts I wouldn't trade:
1. Play.
The dad in our house isn't plagued with mom-guilt. He's able to do something I struggle with: fully engage in imaginative play with our children. He becomes a real pirate or terrifying dinosaur in 5 seconds flat. He offers the kids total abandonment and they treasure it.
2. Strength.
His shoulders are stronger than mine. They carry the burden of our family. When financial struggles or job stress come, he carries it well. Often I discover later that he has shielded me from too much information and prayerfully given the burden to God.
3. Laughter.
Dads often bring a sense of lightheartedness to the home. My soda can explode all over the dog, walls, and floor and I teeter on hysteria. He laughs, grabs a mop, and lightens the mood.
4. Confidence.
I've watched my kid's eyes light up with one word from their dad. Fathers can instill confidence in their children, just by their presence. With a nod of the head or pat on the back, kids stand taller. Daughters look to their dads for affection, sons for approval.
5. Leadership.
I believe God gives men of the house direction to lead their families. Watching my husband lead our family in adventure and God-sized dreams is beautiful. It opens up a whole new world of divine connection for our entire family.
6. Protection.
When a storm rattles our little house, my kids run to their daddy. He's the picture of strength. His protection is silent and real. I have no doubt he would risk his life to protect us, and his mere presence makes us all feel safer.
7. Fun.
There's no doubt my kids would answer that their dad is the fun parent. He makes a wicked fort from bed sheets and makes you beg for the tickle torture to stop. He doesn't get hung up on rules of order and quiet. He lives in the moment with his children, and if he can make them squeal, he considers it a success.
8. Love.
One of the greatest gifts my husband offers his children is the image of a dad loving his wife well. Our marriage has its ups and downs like most, but the consistent love he shows me brings reassurance to our children. He made me a mom, after all.
9. Wholeness.
My husband brings a balance that changes the tone in our home. With my husband, the mood is lighter, the laughter is louder, and all math homework gets done. He completes our picture.
Whether we have godly earthly fathers, amazing fathers of our children, a deceased father, father-related pain, or if we're a single parent, we have one thing in common: a Heavenly Father. He's the perfect Dad. He's never late, won't let you down, and time with Him only makes you stronger. No matter what, He's got your back - even during Cranky Hour.
This article is courtesy of HomeLife Magazine.