It’s a special Father’s Day weekend for me this year. My oldest child, Josiah, is graduating High School. It’s a surreal moment. I have a flood of conflicting emotions. I’m sad to see him leave the house, but I’m incredibly excited to see him take on the world. He’s ready to move on and I think I am ready for the transition too. Every now and then I find myself wishing I could capture time in a bottle and hold on to moments for a bit longer. Alas, while I’m caught up in nostalgia, my High School Senior is craving adventure. It’s a complex transition for both of us. He’s taking a giant step into manhood and I’m working through what all of this means for my identity as a father.
Fatherhood is the greatest gift I’ve received in this life. Every step in the journey has been a great blessing. I cried tears of joy when each of my children came into this world. I intuitively understood that they represented the greatest calling God has placed upon my life. I have been entrusted to shape them into who God has created them to be. My voice carries the weight of authority in their lives. My actions would form their understanding for how to conduct themselves in the world. My instruction prepares them for the future. It’s an enormous responsibility. It’s demanding. There are no off days. I wouldn’t trade it for anything in this world.
As I move through this transition year, I recognize that this wonderful gift of Fatherhood isn’t being taken away from me, it’s just that I no longer have a front row seat. I’ll be watching from the outfield bleachers rather than the dugout. It’s difficult to realize that I’ll no longer be calling the shots, but I’m grateful to continue watching the game.
Seasons of transition are important in life. They remind us to enjoy what is unfolding in the here and now and never take things for granted. I may lament the fact that I’m no longer in the trenches fathering my son Josiah, but I’m also reminded that every day I have with my younger three is precious and I’m not finished yet. Meanwhile, my relationship with Josiah has the potential to develop into an amazing friendship (as long as he remembers everything I taught him).