Keep showing up

Dan Hall Nov. 9, 2018

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“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up” (Galatians 6:9).

“She didn’t come home last night,” my wife told me as I prepared to go into another meeting in Atlanta. My heart sank as I grabbed my bags, jumped in my car, and collapsed that 6½-hour drive into five. All the way home I struggled with my thoughts and emotions.

Our teenage daughter (we have six children) had been making poor decisions and pushed the boundaries even further. As a father, I can vacillate between anger at the problem that comes out as rejection toward my children and blaming myself that manifests as uncertainty. If I’m not careful, I can let the perfect storm of anger, inadequacy and, honestly, the question of Why are you doing this to me? take me out of the game.

In that moment, I had to remind myself that one of the most important gifts I give my children is to keep showing up. When I want to blow up (Because let’s face it, I just want them to stop it!—regardless of their reason), feel sorry for myself or simply wash my hands of the whole thing, (I have to realize) those aren’t my options if I’m to love them like our heavenly Father loves us.

Instead, I “bring every thought captive to the obedience of Christ,” seek to “let the peace of Christ rule my heart” and show up to my child with clarity and grace. Regardless of how I’m feeling, I keep showing up!

Now, that daughter has a beautiful relationship with the Lord, her husband and her family. God is using her to minister to many people.

Driving down the road one day, she asked me “Dad, do you know why I came back to the Lord?”

“No baby, why?” I was a little taken aback by the question.

“Because I knew you would always come to get me; it made me realize the Lord was the same way.” In other words, you kept showing up.

Isn’t God like that with us? A shepherd finding the one lost sheep, the woman finding the one lost coin, the father who scans the horizon and runs to embrace the rebel-child coming home.

We need to show up at the recital, the ballgame, dinnertime, etc. But we also need to show up if they’re fighting their own failure. It’s not always easy to not become weary in doing well. But we can have this confidence—at the proper time, we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. 

Here’s to all you dads who are, will continue, or are about to start showing up! 

Photo source: istock 

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Dan Hall served as senior pastor in three churches for more than 25 years, from a church plant right out of college to a multiethnic fellowship of 5000 with over 40 nationalities. Over the last 10 years, he has served as a coach and consultant to senior pastors and executive teams in the areas of generosity, strategic alignment and leadership development. After an accident left him a quadriplegic in 2016, Dan has expanded his ministry to include “Emerging from the Shadow,” sharing his journey from near death to a new beginning. Learn More »

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