One of the best things you can do as a dad for your kids might surprise you.

There are many different things that you and I can do to be the best dads that we can be. But there is one that seems to supersede most of the others, and is only surpassed itself by your relationship with Christ.

Dads, one of the best things you can do for your kids is love your wife.

I have always “known” this. But over the past several months, this has become especially vivid in my understanding of how to be the best dad I can be.

My wife and I have always prioritized a date night, without the kids. Even though we will occasionally take one of them with us here and there, this is a time we have set aside for ourselves and our relationship.

Since my wife is pregnant with our seventh child, we have sensed a bit of an urgency to maintain this habit. Even to increase it somewhat. The baby is due in mid-February, and once she is here, we will have less time for ourselves, especially without the kids. The baby will take an increased amount of time for both of us, especially my wife.

As a result, we have been taking any opportunity to get away together for a couple hours that we can possibly find, knowing that it won’t last much longer. This has been good for our relationship, of course. But what it has communicated to our kids surprises me.

A few nights ago, my six year old son asked me if we were going on a date night that evening. We hadn’t really planned to, but we had a free evening, so it wasn’t out of the realm of possibility.

I asked my son why he wanted to know. His response floored me. Remember, he is six. His insight into marriage and family is very deep.

He stated: “Because I can see that you love Mom when you guys go on a date night. You should go on one tonight.” And he walked away with a satisfied smile on his face, confident that he had communicated a vast truth to me.

And he had.

When I prioritize my relationship with Heather, my kids see that. They find security in that. My sons see how to be a good husband one day. My daughters see a quality to look for in a good husband someday.

They know that my love for my wife enhances my love for them.

That was a good reminder for me to hear. And coming from the mouth of a child makes the lesson even more valuable to me.

So, I think I might take my wife out again this evening. What about you?

Be deliberate, Dad!

When was the last time you took your wife out on a date? Why don’t you plan to do that this week? You can leave your thoughts in the comments by clicking here.