One Dad's Story

Maybe you’re like me, and the list of things that inspire you are a mile long. No, really, I can get inspired by a song, a movie, a commercial, the smile and excitement evident in young people, parents showing up for their kids, stories and passages from the Bible, and seeing people doing freakishly good things for others. 

Another thing that inspires me is hearing people’s stories. Everybody has a story, and when we take the time to engage and listen, we get the chance to know who they really are.

I had lunch the other day with a dad I wanted to get to know better and invite into our Fatherhood Initiative. As we sat down and our waters were poured, we discovered he grew up with my wife and her brother. We probably got a little loud with excitement as we both kept saying, “Really?!”

As we got into our conversation, he began to share his story. He told me of his young life raised by a hard-working single mom. He recalled how he used to ride the school bus from school with all the kids who lived in an affluent area. When they got off the bus, those kids would head straight to the lake to play on their jet skis while he clocked in at work. He reflected that the job created in him a deep value for hard work. He used to look out the window as he worked and other kids his age played and he began to dream of the family he would one day have and the life he would create for his kids. Then he smiled and said, “Now I do and from my living room, I can even see the very window where I used to stand at work and dream.”

He told me he’s always reminded of where he came from. It’s become the perfect object lesson for his kids about dreaming big, working hard, and being grateful for what God has given you. That, my friend, is inspiring.

As we enter a season of Thanksgiving and as we start thinking about all we’re thankful for, I’m curious, what’s your story? I would to love to connect with you and hear it.