Mike Farris:
There are many challenges that can arise during the teen years, and I know that some of the dads listening to this program may be discouraged because of what they feel like are barriers in their relationships with their teens. Scott, how can dads overcome these barriers?

Scott Somerville:
Mike, the barriers between us and our children really can seem so big. But they’re just nothing compared to the barriers we put up with our own heavenly Father. So really, the struggles that we have in trying to break through to our kids are an opportunity for us to just thank God for the way that He broke through to us.

If we take a cue from Jesus and think about the effort He went through to reach us, and the methods that He used to get our attention and to break into our lives—you can take an example like Jesus and Zacchaeus, the tax collector. Jesus was just walking through town, and Zacchaeus climbs up into a tree, and Jesus says, “Zacchaeus, come down. I’m going to eat dinner at your house today.”

If we will learn from Jesus’ example and pursue our children, pray for our children, be open to our children—even when they really deserve rebuke—but still try to be the one who was the friend of tax collectors and sinners, the way Jesus was, we have a better chance of reaching them, if we love them the way that He did.

Mike:
Scott, that is amazing insight and very encouraging. Listeners, we’re going to continue to discuss communication between fathers and teens on the next program. I’m Mike Farris.

If you’ve appreciated Scott Somerville’s encouragement for fathers this week, we invite you to join us for his presentation, What Wives Wish Their Husbands Knew, on HSLDA’s @home e-vents!

Scott will be presenting this live, interactive webinar Thursday, June 18. Register for this live e-vent or watch Scott’s presentation at our archive. This e-vent is free, but space is limited.