Real Dads of Genius

I have an awesome dad. He's a man who likes a good chair and a good book. He's a man who loves his sports, especially when the Gators are playing. He's a leader in the church and a respected businessman in the community. God has gifted him with a great deal of wisdom and authenticity, two things that I absolutely love about him. Ever since I can remember, I have always looked up to him and wanted to be like him.

But one of the cool things about God is that he created every dad a little different. There are things all the good ones have in common (faithful, responsible, etc.), but each father out there is his own man and has his own style of fatherhood.

I want to salute all the different types of Christian dads out there in honor of Father's Day this Sunday. In the style of the "Real Men of Genius" commercials, here are New Man's "Real Dads of Genius":

1. We salute you, Mr. Wild at Heart Outdoorsman

The thought of a vacation without a campfire is like a salad without the dressing to you. You would rather rough it through a hurricane with only a compass and a knife than bear the thought of staying in a hotel. Only you could find a way to turn a walk through the park into a spiritual lesson. You see the glory of God through His creation, and you are going to joyfully share that view with your family, even if it kills them. A mountain hike here, a fishing trip there: you won't stop until every square foot of God's green earth has been explored. So here's to you, O navigator of the woods; we hope this Father's Day takes you outside, the place where you truly feel close to God.

2. We salute you, Mr. Armchair Theologian

You've read nearly every book on Christianity that has been written, and you can quote them, too. It doesn't matter if you have to get up at 5:30 in the morning, you're going to get your two chapters in today. Only you can find new spiritual revelations in the Bible by learning the ancient Greek word for "foot." You feel close to God when you learn new things about Him, and you gladly dispense that knowledge and wisdom to your family. When someone has a question, you have an answer, even if it takes you 20 minutes to explain it. So here's to you, O inhabiter of the recliner; we hope this Father's Day finds you with the smell of fresh book-binding and a good lamp.

3. We salute you, Mr. Amateur Sports Coach

You've coached every team your kids have been part of, even if you've never heard of the sport. No experience with lacrosse? No problem. That's the one with the webbed sticks, right? Only you could find a way to teach kids a lesson after receiving a 40-point blowout in basketball. Your passion for sports is rivaled only by your passion for your children, and you are going to share these moments with them, regardless of how embarrassed they get. Everyone can see that your heart is in the right place, even if your players aren't. So here's to you, O stalker of the sidelines, we hope this Father's Day finds you teaching your kids that it's not about wins and losses; it's about how you play the game.

Blessing to all of you dads out there as you juggle your job, marriage, children and other responsibilities. I really hope you have a great day this Sunday. You deserve it.