I asked my pastor friends on twitter a simple question: “What’s the best book you’ve read lately? Any category, genre, author, style.” A reply from a friend of mine, Michael Stovall, got me thinking. Here’s what he said: “@jimperdue 1 Fish, 2 Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish … Dr. Seuss”

Now, I know my buddy was joking, but in a way I’m sure he was serious too.  Here’s what I mean. As a dad of four small children, some of the most important books I read will not be the leadership books, ministry books, theology books, or preaching books on my shelf. Instead, they will be the books I read to my children.

I know this is anathema to many of my pastor friends. But please hear me. I believe in leadership, ministry, theology, and preaching. I believe in the gospel, missions, evangelism, and church growth. But I also believe in being a dad to my kids – I’m the only one they have.

So, there are days where some of the most important pages I’ll turn (other than my Bible) will be Brown Bear, Brown Bear, Quick as a Cricket, or Hop on Pop. I’m not sure that these readings will score me points with the ministry elite. But I want to be a hero to my kids. I want them to love Jesus because they’ve seen a daddy who loves Jesus – and loves them too!

I’m pretty sure I’m a momma’s boy. But I think it’s okay to be a momma’s boy. As long as you’re not the wimpy, whiney, spineless, sissified type.

And, of course, like every other red-blooded, American pastor, we celebrated Mothers Day yesterday at our church. Special Sundays always present an interesting challenge for preachers. It has to be new and fresh but not so much that you end up off-topic.

I spoke briefly about how mothers will sacrifice for their children. Which is great, right? Well, it could be great, but it might not be. Here’s what I mean.

Many parents today are doing more harm spiritually for their children than they are good.  They will let them miss church because of jobs, sports, or academics. Or, their teenager doesn’t have to go to church because they don’t want to.

Do kids always want to go to school?  No, but you make them go.  Do they want to go to the doctor?  No, but you make them go.  Why?  Because it is the best for them.  But with church, parents now give their children a choice if they want to go or not.  The lesson we teach is that God is no longer a priority –  He is simply an option.

As a mother (or as a parent), you are going to sacrifice.  Sacrifice to save their lives spiritually. Commit to a higher purpose. I’m so thankful that my mom chose to influence me for the things that matter in eternity.