Fatherhood's Unprecedented Journey

Fatherhood is a journey of discovery. It is an exciting trek that warps you to unknown places where no father has ever gone before.

As a father of six children, I have learned that fatherhood is not drudgery. It's filled with excitement, challenges and surprises. The journey through the infant tears, toddler years and teen metamorphosis provide a lifetime of memories. To say fatherhood is anything other than a breathtaking rollercoaster ride—as I experience it—lessens the essence of the journey. The rollercoaster ride is full of dips, twists and turns. Around every learning curve, I come face-to-face with unknown adventures that challenge me as a father—and yet no one can tell me that meeting those adventures head-on is not a labor of love.

Fathers do not come with an instruction manual. If you think fatherhood is automatic—here's some relief—it's not. Fatherhood takes effort. It is not so much about biological ability to produce children as it about finding purpose and identity as a father. Fatherhood is not a choice for me as a man; it is inherent in my nature, as Dr. Myles Munroe aptly states in his book, The Fatherhood Principle. Married or unmarried, God prepares men for the responsibility to be fathers.

Knowing that fatherhood is in my nature, I've delightfully discovered on this journey that my children posses in their unique personality and character a part of me—including some remnant ability and unrealized dreams I once had. Recognizing and cultivating the special brilliance in each of my children has been funny, scary, and intriguing—and not without questioning my ability. What a joy it is to recognize that each child carries within him or her a part of you. Now, that is not to say we don't have flaws that need change, but the overall journey is about learning and gaining skills as a father who sees.