A Short 18 Years
My wife is INCREDIBLE!
She carried our son for 10 months.
(because let’s be honest, 40 weeks is more than 9 months)
Little Ezra joined us all in the daylight just about three months ago.
The time has gone by so fast! But we’ve been spending it with our growing family just being content.
Delivering a baby is such a powerful example of how women are much stronger than men. Sure, men can (on average) lift heavier things or run faster. But if the roles were reversed, mankind might cease to exist!
In the delivery room, I’m reminded how weak and powerless I am on my own.
Standing there nervously, I can be near and coach. Ultimately, I have no control over the outcome.
The same is true of fatherhood.
Terrifying.
This is the most sobering fact as a parent: you don’t have control over the outcome of your kids lives. Even as I write, I can feel the back of my mind start arguing.
The truth is, my kids will grow up and make their own choices. I’ll be involved only as much as I’ve prepared them for the situation.
Hear me carefully. I have a GREAT responsibility as a father. I am commissioned by God to lead my family. To show them the way they should go.
I have to be in pursuit of Jesus–modeling a life that’s chasing after Him with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength. I can’t lead anywhere I haven’t been myself.
Leadership is about guiding. Fatherhood is the same.
Guides are not like railroad tracks. Tracks control.
Control is impossible. Control is a lie.
Guides are more like guard rails on the open road. If they bump a rail, it’s uncomfortable, but it’ll keep them safely on the path of a well-lived life.
If we do this correctly, they’ll desire to do what’s good and right. Even after they’ve left our home.
There’s a humbling freedom in accepting that I can’t do it all on my own. I have to yield to the One who is actually in control.
It makes fatherhood that much more crucial. I have a short 18 years before I release them to impact the world.
I wonder what his will be like.
I’m sitting here, bottle in hand, thinking of the amazing days he has ahead of him.
I’m not going to waste a moment.
“Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.”
Ephesians 6:4 ESV
Caleb Agee
I am a father to 3 powerful littles and married to my best friend. My wife says I'm proficient in quoting The Office, a jack of all trades and I am convinced that popcorn with apple juice is the best remedy for a hard day. No judgment! I spend my days brainstorming and perfecting good communication with a team of passionate creatives. And I believe that being in relationship with the Father should be, and is, simple. I'll spend my whole life on Him and never regret a single moment. Won’t you join me?
