Father's Day: View from a Father

I went to a YouTube video that a friend of mine posted about British athlete Derrick Redmond being assisted across the finish line by his dad after blowing out his hamstring. As I roll into a Saturday morning, this video is pretty intense. But with Father's Day being tomorrow, it makes my position as Father all the more top of mind—all the more important.

As a Dads, we have such a unique view of our children. Not altogether different from that of the Moms, but different none the less. Perhaps particularly as fathers of boys. Or at least that's the perspective I can draw from—'cause that's the one I got.

Having grown up and experienced a good bit (though a ton more to come, I am sure). I know I've dealt with a good bit of trials and tribulations, good times and bad, joys, and pains, over the course of things. When I look at my two boys, whom I adore, and realize that they are gonna go through things I wanna protect them from—as well as things I want them to experience, I can feel a little helpless. Not helpless from having influence and providing wisdom and direction, but I just know there is so much that is out of my hands that they will experience:

• joy
• love
• broken hearts
• addiction
• pride
• pain
• helplessness
• victory
• defeat
• sickness
• health of mind and body
• regret
• ego
• failure
• success

All of this on their own—for themselves. I just pray that I have done, and am living a right role along the way.

I guess I am having more or less an experiential moment as a Dad. Wherein we take a moment to draw back and look at our role. And look at the incredible joys, and deep emotion and potential for pain ahead. A look ahead that is not as a direct participant (or the headliner), but as a role player.

I could imagine (in my finite way) what it must have been like for God to send His Son out into the cold dark world we live in (as a baby none the less). A world that has it fair share of wonderful joy. But also a seemingly unfair share of pains. Jesus had a relation with his Father. Realizing that He (Jesus) was to be the direct participant with this world—knowing his Father was with him.