I’m working on a series of Fatherhood videos. I will post my beta test of these within a week. I’d really like feedback!

Being a great father requires the 3 Ps: Patience, presence, and Persistence!

Welcome to the Daily Fatherhood Challenge! What is the biggest challenge you face as a father?

Getting in Touch with God Yesterday I experienced one of those moments that reminds me how quickly life passes and how precious our relationships really are. For Father’s Day this year, my son gave me a fishing trip. Together we floated down the Kalamazoo River with a guide, casting for smallmouth bass. We caught fish all afternoon and into the early evening. It was catch-and-release fishing, and before long we had lost count of how many fish we had landed. As enjoyable as the fishing was, it wasn’t really about the fish. It was about spending uninterrupted time together. Many years ago, when my children were young, I learned that one of the greatest gifts a father can give is his undivided attention. Children don’t measure our love by the size of our paycheck or the number of presents we buy. They remember the moments when they knew they had our complete attention. Yesterday, my son gave that gift back to me. Perhaps the greatest joy came when he shared that he is planning a similar fishing trip with his own son. There are few blessings greater than seeing the love we invested in our children carried into the next generation. As I reflected on our day together, I couldn’t help but think about our Heavenly Father. God isn’t distant or distracted. He delights in spending time with His children. He invites us to walk with Him, listen to Him, and enjoy His presence. Just as yesterday wasn’t really about catching fish, our relationship with God isn’t about accomplishing something for Him. It is about being with Him. The best fathers reflect the heart of the best Father. Today, whether you are a father, a mother, a grandparent, or simply someone who influences others, remember that your greatest gift is your presence. And when you spend time with God, you are experiencing the perfect love of the One who has always delighted in calling you His child.

If you are a dad, you have amazing potential! But how can you be the best dad possible for your kids? Step one is just being there. Be fully present whenever you are with them.