Fatherhood is a good thing

 BEING A FATHER...

People often ask me if I knew what I wanted to be in the future. To be honest, the only thing I wanted to be when I was a kid was a baseball player. I loved it. I never thought about being a professional in the work force. I didn’t want to be a doctor, an architect, or really any other job. People find that weird but it’s true.

              There are two things I knew I did want for my future. The first was a husband and the second was a dad. Luckily, I met a woman who not only loves me but gave me wonderful kids. If I’m honest, I don’t necessarily have my dream job, but I am so glad I have Beka and the kids. It makes doing things a lot easier being able to support them.

               The reason I write this is because I’ve been thinking a lot about Father’s Day and fatherhood. It’s changed me significantly. In the physical ways, my house is never clean, I can’t watch what I want on TV, and I’m answering a lot more questions about things with more google searches. On the internal realm, I see my flaws, I see great joys, and I understand Jesus’ love more.

              My kids can be difficult but what parents wouldn’t say this about their children. Yet, there is nothing like coming home and them wrapping your legs up in a big hug. There is nothing like watching them ride a bike for the first time. There is nothing like belly laughter as they tell jokes they find funny.

              I’ve cherished moments and I think about my own dad. My dad taught me the importance of being a husband and father. He taught me the importance of love. Both my parents taught me as much but as a young boy learning what it meant to be a man; my father embodied it.

              My dad often sacrificed to give us the best life he could give us. This meant working hard at jobs, I know he probably didn’t love. I knew he’d come home tired, but he was always there for dinner. He’d always be there for bedtime. As we got older, he’d always make sure he was at our practices for sports and games. When he was doing schooling, he took his work with him and did it while making sure he was supporting us.

              My dad also liked to do special things for us. He would take us to the movies, sometimes to sporting events, and even amusement parks. I remember a lot of Sundays after church, he’d buy a box of bagels and we’d sit and watch Steeler games together because it was not only something he loved but it was time with us.

              My dad also took the time to talk to us. He was someone who took the time to guide us and not tell us what we should do. I remember making mistakes and he’d be frustrated but he’d talk to me about it. It was something that he wanted to teach and help me understand why I might have been punished.

He also allowed me to find my own faith. Sure, he wanted us in church while living in his house but it wasn’t something forced on me. I think having the ability to think for myself helped me become a better follower of Jesus. My dad prayed often and would tell us. I didn’t know much about this until my mom told me about the way my dad would pray and was constantly praying over us.

My dad’s legacy is what inspires me often to be a better father. I admit, I feel I fall short, but I know that even my father felt that way. This doesn’t define me as a father because I will always fall short. As I cling to Jesus, I know that I will be able to be the father my kids need.

I love being a dad to my kids. I struggle often because being a father is hard. I don’t always love each day with struggles at work or personal battles. Yet, when I get to see my kids thrive, when I get those hugs and cuddles, those moments remind me the world is beautiful.

I would be remiss to say that I couldn’t be half the father I am without my wife. She inspires me everyday with all she does for the kids and I. She is often behind the scenes doing a lot of great work with my kids. She has blessed me with her kindness and love. So, this Father’s Day, I am reminded of the grace that God has poured out to me in many ways.