Flannel Jackets and Bullseyes
Photo image courtesy Pixabay
Therefore, be imitators of God, as beloved children. – Ephesians 5:1
He sat on the bench bare-legged, the old felt hat that once turned his dad into Indiana Jones pulled low over his sandy blond hair. Munching his PB&J, he watched intently as his dad and granddad, both clad in flannel jackets, gathered wood for the fire pit to banish the chill of the cool spring afternoon. His grandfather moved to the grill, banging things around, pouring stuff in, and pushing forbidden buttons. His dad stirred the fire and made the flames rise higher. The boy’s brown eyes darted between the two men as he listened to their loud, boisterous man-talk. This was exciting stuff to a five-year-old.
I watched the scene unfold through the kitchen window. Suddenly, the boy jumped up and ran into the house. Moments later, he returned wearing a small flannel jacket, his hat still securely in place. Without a word, he made his way back to the bench, picked up his sandwich, and continued munching. Most would’ve missed it, but a lot more than grilling was happening on the patio that afternoon.
Dads, you have a big job. Grandads, you too. To these young ones, you are their guide. Your instruction, your affirmation, your accessibility, your encouragement, your patience, your protection, and most importantly your best example, are essential to the people God intends them to become.
Fathers, your children are sponges and will soak up whatever you pour out. Be ready with your best.
But where do you go to be filled with all you must pour out? It is an intimidating challenge, yet, be assured whether you feel it or not, God has designed you for this very role and promises to equip you with all you need.
Ephesians 5:1 says that we should be imitators of God. He is your guidepost. Desire to imitate Him before your children imitate you. Make God’s Word your field manual. There, you will find the best examples of:
HIS Instruction: God does not leave His children to rely on their own wisdom. He promises to watch over them and teach them the way they should go. (Psalm 32:8)
HIS Affirmation: God rejoices over His children (Zephaniah 3:17)
HIS Accessibility: God’s children approach Him with freedom and confidence. (Ephesians 3:12)
HIS Encouragement: God speaks to His children of a hopeful future. (Jeremiah 29:11)
HIS Patience: God is slow to anger and abounding in love. (Psalm 103:8)
HIS Protection: God’s children run to Him and they are safe. (Proverbs 18:10)
Later inside, three flannel jackets and a felt hat lay piled on the sofa. The little boy sat on the floor, aimed his toy arrow toward the target taped to the wall, and hit the center ring.
“Good job, buddy,” his dad said, tousling his blond hair. The smile on his son’s face could have lit the night sky—perhaps a bit like our Heavenly Father must feel when in earnest pursuit of imitating Him, we hit the bull’s-eye.
Questions for Reflection:
1. Take time to look up the verses shared above. What do they tell you about the character of your Heavenly Father? What guidance can they offer earthly fathers as they purposely imitate God and give their best to their children.
2. Pray for the fathers and grandfathers, and other men in those roles, you know. Ask God how you might support and encourage them in the all-important job He has given them.
3. Take another look at the verses above in the context of God as your Heavenly Father. Regardless of your relationship with your earthly father, remember, when you have surrendered your heart to Jesus, you have a Heavenly Father who takes great pleasure in pouring out His unconditional love upon you everyday, simply because you are His child.
