A Father

I have an absolutely amazing dad and I really look up to him. So after Fathers day I have spent some time thinking about what a fathers responsibilities are. So I did a little research. The church put out a pamphlet called "To the Fathers in Israel" by Ezra Taft Benson in 1987. I've had the chance to read through it and have written down the responsibilities that the church lays out for fathers. So I want to share! Be prepared for a long list.....

A fathers responsibilities are:
--provide for the material needs of his family
--not postpone children for the need of education or material things in order to keep the wife working
--provide for his family in such a way that the wife is allowed to fulfill her role as mother in the home
--provide spiritual leadership in his family
           some example are:
     --give fathers blessings to his children
     --baptize and confirm his children
     --ordain his sons to the priesthood
     --personally direct family prayers, daily scripture reading, and weekly family home evenings
     --attend church meetings together as a family
     --go on daddy-daughter dates and father-son outings with his children
     --as a family go on camp outs, and picnics, ball games and recitals, school programs etc.
     --build family traditions of family vacations, trips and outings
     --have regular one-on-one visits with his children
     --teach his children gospel principles and true values
     --tell his children he loves them
     --teach his children to work, and show them the value of working toward a worthy goal
     --encourage good music, art and literature in his home
     --regularly attend the temple with his wife
     --have his children see his joy and satisfaction in service to the church
--live within his income and save a little
--love his wife with all his heart and cleave unto her and none else (there is only one other thing in all scripture that we are commanded to love with all our hearts and that is God himself. think of what that means!)
--have nothing except God himself take priority over his wife in his life -- not work, not recreation, not hobbies
--treat his wife as his precious, eternal helpmate
--never demean his wife, criticize her, find fault in her, or abuse her by words, sullen behavior, or actions
--stay close to his wife, be loyal and faithful to her, communicate with her and express love to her
--be sensitive to his wife's needs and feelings
--notice and treasure his wife
--tell his wife that he views her as lovely and attractive and important to him
--put his wife's welfare and self-esteem as a high priority in his life
--be grateful that his wife is the mother of his children and the queen of his home. grateful that she has chosen homemaking and motherhood -- to bear, to nourish, to love and to train his children as the noblest calling of all
--recognize his wife's intelligence and her ability to counsel with him as a real partner regarding family plans, family activities and family budgeting. don't be stingy with his time or means.
--give his wife the opportunity to grow intellectually, emotionally, and socially as well as spiritually
--assume leadership in working with his children
--help create a home where the spirit of the Lord can abide
--give direction in family life. take an active part in establishing family rules and discipline
--make his home a place of happiness and joy. no child should fear his own father -- especially a priesthood father

A father's calling is sacred, it is his most important calling in time and eternity. A calling from which he will never be released.

What a great list! It may seem long and daunting, but I know that if he is living the gospel these things can be easy. I hope that my future husband and father of my children understands these responsibilities and is happy and willing to work on them.

Next...are the responsibilities of a mother.