by Dr. Ken Canfield

My family is celebrating a new life with the birth of another grandchild. That makes sixteen grandkids total, although it’s the first child for one of my adult children—the last of the five to become a parent. It’s an incredible and joyful time, just like with the births of the other fifteen.

I have a way of thinking about a new baby being born that you may have heard, and you may find it unusual:

A newborn is another vote that the human race should continue.

This baby is a tiny miracle and God’s vote for the future. He’s another branch in the Canfield family tree that may be small now, but will grow strong and vibrant. 

As many of you will find out one day, being a granddad is incredible and often comes with lots of deep introspection. My grandchildren lead me to plan and pray and open my heart like never before.

And I know that, for you as a father, it’s often hard to step back and see your children as precious gifts and bundles of wonder and possibility. When my five children were young, sometimes it was all I could do to make it through the day with everyone reasonably safe and content—and sometimes it felt like we barely hit those goals.

When people tell you, “These years fly by,” it really is true.

I know you have responsibilities and obligations that keep life busy and challenging, and I hope this is a brief reminder to take a few moments to appreciate the role you have in your children’s lives. Find a way to regularly spend time reflecting on that, “see the glory” as one friend put it, and appreciate the amazing opportunities you have as a father, even though there are also difficulties along the way. Keep reminding yourself about the bigger picture and the future adult that’s in the four-year-old or fourteen-year-old that you’re dealing with right now. And devote yourself every day to giving your very best to him or her.

Your children really are miracles in their own unique ways. And being a dad is an enormous task, but you’re up to it. Maybe you were created for this. You have great power and influence in your role as a dad, and I hope you’ll continue to invest yourself with great faithfulness, commitment and humility. Keep up the good work!

How do you keep the right perspective on your role as a dad? Share a thought and encourage another dad by leaving a comment on our Facebook page.