Being a step parent is a difficult and often thankless job. Step parents often find themselves feeling as if they have very little influence in the lives of children who already have a mother and a father, even if they live separate lives. Our 9 year old son revealed to us just how powerful of an influence step parents can have on the lives of children, and that influence, either positive or negative can affect a child almost instantly. We had been married only a few weeks when our son gave us this letter, which is now framed on the wall in our family room. It showed us just how much impact a step father can have on his new family, and how he can be used to breathe life, security, love, and happiness into a child.
Fathers, step fathers, and those who are considering taking on this monumental role, seize your responsibility. What a great honor it is to be a good example and role model to a young person. Even if there are two active parents in a child’s life, you have an opportunity to model Christ’s sacrificial love to the entire family. Subscribe to the Team Awful Blog to receive more articles about how to love your family more deeply and find greater joy and contentment in your life.