Choose Everyday

I love watching sporting events. I am a fan of the Cubs and am working to instill this love into the hearts of my kids. My oldest, Connor, just turned 7 two days ago and it hit my that he is halfway to an age where his friends will be a more preferable hangout choice than good old dad. Though my impact will still remain, I also know the time I have for maximum influence is closing much too quickly. And being the Cubs aren't likely to win the World Series until he is 90, I have my work cut out for me.

On a more serious note, I often miss fathering opportunities. It is so easy for me to go into my daily routine and not use the time I have with my children. How quickly days and weeks can pass where I look back and wonder about my influence. Am I modeling joy, peace. courage, love and care? Do I exemplify a positive model of what it means to be a husband and a father? Do I teach my children or do I just assume their environment will be their primary instructor? These questions keep me striving to take advantage of this time. I made a choice almost 8 years ago to be a father, but truthfully, the choice to father a child is much different than actually being a father. I must choose everyday to be a father. Though I love my kids beyond explanation, I also know my feelings of love don't equate to me being a great father. Proverbs 22 says we are to "start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it." Today I will choose to be a father. I pray that every day I will make this same choice. And if I can help them love the Cubs, so be it.