ISSUE NO.42 | JUNE 2019

Notes from a new father...
 
Wow, June is here and so is nicer weather (I hope)! This year has been a rough one in the way weather—we've had the coldest winter and wettest spring—literally setting records, and confirming my desire to live where the sun shines every day, haha! But I’m sitting outside on a perfectly balmy morning now, so all is good!

When discussing the newsletter for this month, Erin and I thought it fitting to honor Father’s Day, from a new father's perspective, so that task is mine!

I must admit, though, I have a rather jaded perspective on fatherhood...in fact, I was convinced just a few years ago that I didn’t ever want to be one.

My parents divorced many years ago, and that was hard! After growing up in a perfect little family, with a perfect childhood, my father was just all of a sudden gone. He just kind of moved out one day. Before we knew it, he had even moved out of the state, leaving my mother—who had spent her whole life (since age 17) doing nothing but raising my brother and I—to fend for herself. My brother and I, both still teenagers, were confused & devastated. But nothing compared to the loss and struggle my mother had to endure. 

Good news is—we made it! In fact the three of us are all doing SO GOOD, and sometimes I wonder if it’s not because of what we’ve had to overcome. I wish I could say the same about my father, but I’m not so sure, and that’s a story for a different day.

Now, as I look at my life—the wife I once told I would never marry, my now son, whom I told myself I wouldn’t dare have—and I am living in bliss!

The things I once feared the most, have now become my biggest source of joy! Maybe this has happened to your or someone you know...Surely we have heard stories about the famous comedians or politicians who could move a crowd to tears, but admit that public speaking was their greatest fear! 

Maybe you’ve also heard the quote or seen the meme, That which you desire most sits just beyond your greatest fear. I certainly have, and even recently made a daily reminder on my phone to, Do what you fear most! Easier said than done, right?!

I’m telling you this because I have realized for myself, and heard from others, that you can either conquer these fears on your own accord, or be forced to overcome them later—inevitably delaying the growth associated with conquering that fear. That was me not long ago. I thought my fears could be avoided, and the harder I tried to avoid them, the deeper I found myself being dropped into the eye of the storm. 

I am a man of faith, and believe that this is God's will for our lives—to conquer our fears—to overcome them and to then, through our new gained courage, go out and help the next person to do the same! 

He doesn’t put us through trials in life to so much “test” us, but rather, to show us what we are made of! Read the Bible, any great novel, or watch any great film, and you will see this same plot play out. We meet our protagonist, a challenge arises (to which we can relate), they struggle and eventually overcome, and we are left inspired to do the same!

Today and every day, remember that you are the main character in your own film. Put on your armor, pick up your sword, choose faith over fear, and charge into battle, because the only way out is through! 

This year I will wish my dad a happy Father’s Day, remind him that I love him, and thank him for the life he has given me and the lessons he has taught me. I encourage you to do the same.

My biggest fear was being a bad husband and father, so I tried to avoid them both. Now being the best husband and father has become my mission. What is it you're afraid of, and what steps can you take to conquer those fears today? It might just become your greatest source of joy...

Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. —Joshua 1:9

Do what you fear most!

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