The Tobler Family: Family Friday: Fatherhood - Goveavasiliki's blog

Just as promised, here is my Family?Friday?Sunday post. If you happened to notice the title then I'm sure you've gathered that this week I'll be talking (writing--whatever) about fatherhood. In my personal opinion, fatherhood is as equally important as motherhood. That's right, I said equally important! I also think it's a role that is extremely undervalued in our culture, and not enough fathers are stepping up to their?responsibility. But before I get into any of that I want to share this new video the Church recently released. It's very sweet and even brought some tears to my eyes. Take a look:?


{ Cute, right? I think I love it. }

I appreciated the parallel shown between the role of fatherhood in this life and the role of the ultimate father--God, our Father in Heaven. Becoming a parent 16 months ago gave me a whole new perspective on the love our Heavenly Father must have for us. I can't truly comprehend the power of His love, but I feel like I get a good peek at it as a mother. Anyway, back to fatherhood.



The role of dads is really special to me, mostly because of my husband. Landon was an unexpected surprise, and I''ll be honest and admit Jeff wasn't thrilled when he found out we would be having a baby. Our lives were a bit of a mess at the time so we were both stressed and unsure about bringing a child into our family under such unstable circumstances. Jeff was quick to change his tune, though, and he was a huge support for me during my entire pregnancy. But the real change in him came the moment our son was born. After I heard Landon's first little cry I looked up at Jeff and saw tears running down his face. He had a huge smile going on, and I instantly knew that becoming a father was the best thing that had ever happened to him. Fatherhood changed my husband in an amazing way that still makes me cry. I admire and respect Jeff for the man he has become and the father he is.

I'm clearly not a dad, but Jeff is and he's great at it, so I decided to ask him about his feelings on fatherhood. Even though this is our family blog you never get to hear (read) from Jeff, so I'm pleased to present his blogging debut:

"Fatherhood is so amazing because it gives me a view of what my Heavenly Father feels for me. Growing up, you always hear about how much you'll love your kids, but the love you feel for them is so much more powerful than you could ever imagine.

Being a dad has given me the desire to be a better person, to provide for my family, to be a good example to my children, and to be a stronger priesthood holder in my home. I just want to be better all around! Landon is everything to me, and no matter what happens I will always love him--even if he makes bad choices. My son has changed my life and given me perspective, like how worldly things don't matter at all, and family is the most important part of life. Landon has shown me Christ-like love, and he's taught me humility and forgiveness.

Ultimately, God has trusted us with the ability to become parents here on earth, not only so we can teach our children, but so that they can teach us as well. Being a father is awesome. That's all there is to it."

He's deep, I know. Jeff is a?phenomenal?father, though, and when I look at him and Landon together I can't help but think of all the children around the world who don't get to have a relationship like theirs. Daddy means everything to Landon, and they help each other in so many ways. It's?devastating?to me that in today's culture the role of fatherhood is viewed casually with minuscule importance?and respect. I think we're seeing the negative effects of that on a global level. When families fail, societies fail. Children deserve to be raised in a home with a mother and father who love them. Both parents are vital parts of the?equation?of happiness for children.

I don't believe one has to be LDS to be a good dad, but I think the principles taught by the Church certainly provide the guidance and the tools for fathers to improve and become their best selves. Some of those guidelines can be found in?this talk by President Howard W. Hunter. His words helped inspire this post, and there are about a million?lovable?quotes in there.?

When it comes down to it, righteous or noble fatherhood means putting your family first. It means setting aside worldly things and making your children your top priority. It means gently and lovingly guiding and teaching your children through your words as well as by example. It means seeking the pure joy that can naturally come from parenthood. And in my opinion, excellent fathering requires an eternal perspective and an understanding of the sacredness of parental responsibility. Fatherhood isn't easy, and it requires an impressive level of selflessness and patience, but in the end--and even along the way--I believe it's all worth it.

Source: http://jeffandsarahtobler.blogspot.com/2013/02/family-friday-fatherhood.html

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Source: http://goveavasiliki.typepad.com/blog/2013/02/the-tobler-family-family-friday-fatherhood.html

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