Follow Me as I Follow Christ

Father’s Day always makes me reflect on how grateful I am for my dad, especially for the way he handled pain. When I was growing up, I always knew my father suffered from very bad arthritis (he often injured his joints in his early wrestling days). Rarely would I see him grimace, but if he did, it was only for an instant, then he’d continue with his trademark smile. As a proud daughter, I loved his attitude. But after I broke my neck, I needed my father’s example. His approach to pain inspired me to do as he did: grimace at the hardship, then gather myself and trust God. It was my way of imitating my dad.

If you are a parent who deals with physical pain, you have a huge impact on the way your children handle suffering. If you respond to your trials and disappointments with grace, humility, and trust in God, your children will have a powerful example to follow. It’s what I Corinthians 11 means when it says, “Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ.” It’s no secret that children imitate their moms and dads, so bear up well under your trials. Little eyes are watching and imitating.