Some men emulate their fathers out of a desperate need for acceptance, approval, or validation. This is the result of some kind of relational vacuum. Others emulate their fathers because the character and vision of the father has been effectively imparted by the father and embraced by the son; which is usually the case where real 'fathering' has occured.

Though the outcome of these situationn is somewhat similar, they are worlds apart. In the former situation the father's attention is the focus, in the latter the character and vision. I am glad to be a part of the latter. Those who would attribute this needy, father-wound-licking, you-were-mean-to-me-as-a-kid-type mentality to me, who has an amazing father (who had no example, no less), do both my father and me an injustice. I am tempted, when such is implied, to defend my father's honor as a father and as a Christian.

For so many years I was to him as those in Romans 1 are to God: knowing Him as my father, but not honoring him as my father. Impenitent, uncaring, unloving, ungrateful. Being a prodigal son is a means-by grace-to have my sin revealed and increased. Being a father, I imagine, is a means to know unconditional, sacrificial, heart-breaking love. I also imagine it helps one's prayer life.