FATHERHOOD (FAST-FORWARD #19)

Yesterday, I woke up to a text from my daughter who is student-teaching in Guatemala. She reminded me that it was Father’s Day. This day is always interesting for me. I haven’t heard from my biological father since I was six years old. Apparently, when my mom remarried, he thought he was off the hook and disappeared from my life. Though he tried his best, my step-dad came from a place of incredible brokenness and lacked the skills to teach or demonstrate some of the essential instructions a father needs to pass along to his kid. In many respects, I was 0/2 in the dad category.

So, when you are aware of something you are lacking, you are presented with a quest: how do you acquire what you do not yet possess? The initial temptation is to face the other direction because any worthwhile journey is fraught with struggle and hardship; even undertaking the first step can be terrifying. If you can overcome the initial urge to flee, then you have to figure out how to stay on course for an extended period of time; any necessary path requires a protracted effort.

I have had a few mentors in my life that have helped me know what it means to be a father to my three adult children. I count the men of Core as my primary source of guidance on the quest to be a better daddy. We have grown up as dads together and have navigated many rough waters as dads with our combined 19 kids. In this area of fatherhood we have encouraged each other, corrected each other and admonished each other. As well as being thankful for my three kids on Father’s Day, I am thankful for these four guys in my life.

My daughter’s Sunday morning text to me was the following:

Happy Father's Day! I love you and am so grateful to have you as my dad. Thanks for being a great role model. I know you aren't perfect but you're pretty amazing :) I can't wait to hangout in Lakeside in a few weeks. Sent from my iPhone

Her thoughtful words made my day. I realize that there is no perfect father, but I smile when I receive the well-needed affirmation as I continue on my quest.