Fatherhood

Yesterday I talked with a couple of friends of mine from college who are two men that I had a lot of respect for when I was a student and that respect has continued to this day.  One friend is now the father of 7, the other friend is the father his first who is 7 months old.  I really enjoyed talking to both of them and hearing about both their excitement about their kids and their concerns about being a godly parent, protecting their kids and providing for their families.  In a day when fatherhood has been both diminished in some cases, and optional for others, it is nice to hear the hearts of these men who are seeking after the Lord, and desiring to demonstrate that love to the next generation.

For me I fall right in between my two friends with the number of kids I have, but whether a dad has one or one hundred kids, the way fatherhood impacts your life, your values, your decisions or your future feels the same.  My concerns echo those of my friends, and it's hard not feel like my weaknesses are glaring; but despite the downside of our humanity, the plus side is that we love our kids and we are learning how to find the perfect balance of showing that love and showing how our kids how to be a responsible and respectable man.