553-The Fatherhood Focus That Changes Everything with Brad Rhoads

The Fatherhood Focus That Changes Everything with Brad Rhoads

"Most parents miss the joys of parenting trying to be a good parent."

That's what Brad Rhoads's mentor told him. And it wrecked him in the best way.

Brad's a father of five. Married to Marilyn for 30 years. He ran a law practice for 22 years before launching Grace Marriage (gracemarriage.com), a ministry that equips churches with ongoing marriage support.

But fatherhood? He'll tell you he was overcomplicating it. Diet, academics, activities, spiritual development, family worship. The list felt endless. And no matter how hard he tried, it never felt like enough.

Then his mentor said something that shifted everything: "Brad, just make it your mission that your children feel delighted in. That they feel there's nobody in the world that likes them more than you."

Not 800 things. One thing. Delight.

And here's what happened: one of his daughters told him, "Dad, a lot of dads spend time with their kids, but I can tell you actually want to."

That's the fruit of delight. Not perfection. Not checking every parenting box. Just a kid who knows her dad likes her.

I'll add, since Brad, a man of genuine integrity, graciousness, and generous character likes his kids, they WANT to be like him.

It reminds me of God and the way he loves us. When we believe we are delighted in, we are drawn to love and delight Him even more!

Husband, if the enemy's been whispering that you're a terrible father, this episode is for you. Delight changes everything.