I watched him playing around my door,
My neighbor's little boy of four.
I wondered why a child would choose
To wear his dad's old worn-out shoes.
I saw him try with all his might
To make the laces snug and tight.
I smiled to see him walk, and then
He'd only step right out again.
I heard him say his voice so glad,
"I want to be just like my Dad."
I hope his Dad his steps would choose
Safe for his son to wear his shoes.
And then a shout and cry of joy,
A "Hello, Dad!" and a "Hi-yu, boy!"
They walked along in measured stride
Each face aglow with love and pride.
"What have you done today, my lad?"
"I tried to wear your old shoes, Dad,
They are big but when I am a man
I'll wear your shoes. I know I can."
They stopped and stood there hand in hand
He saw his son's tracks in the sand,
His words-a prayer-came back to me,
"Lord, let my steps lead him to Thee."
ABC"™s of Fatherhood:
A. Always trust them to God's care.
B. Bring them to church.
C. Challenge them to high goals.
D. Delight in their achievements.
E. Exalt the Lord in their presence.
F. Frown on evil.
G. Give them love.
H. Hear their problems.
I. Ignore not their childish fears.
J. Joyfully accept their apologies.
K. Keep their confidence.
L. Live a good example before them.
M. Make them your friends.
N. Never ignore their endless questions.
O. Open your home to their visits.
P. Pray for them by name.
Q. Quicken your interest in their spirituality.
R. Remember their needs.
S. Show them the way of salvation.
T. Teach them to work.
U. Understand they are still young.
V. Verify your statements.
W. Wean them from bad company.
X. Expect them to obey.
Y. Yearn for God's best for them.
Z. Zealously guide them in biblical truth.
__________________ And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another.
In Daddy"™s Shoes
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