A Husband and Father…
Over the past few weeks, we have talked about who I am growing up and who has influenced me, but a major part of who I am, or who I was before losing my way, happened as an adult.
After college, I was floundering, a bit lost, and was unsure of myself. I had this feeling before, and it led to some darker times. During that time, I had dropped out of school and was simply adrift. What I didn’t know at the time was that I was craving the Lord. Not wanting a repeat of being adrift, I knew I needed a change.
The change came when I decided to move. I removed myself from those distractions and temptations. I moved south to find a start in my new career. I landed a job within 4 days of moving and started a side hustle as well. Younger readers won't remember Blockbuster Video, but it made for a great summer/weekend side job. I miss Blockbuster and going to the video store, but that is a story for a different day.
Once school started, I was introduced to my new team. The Lord had perfectly placed me in a spot that would change my life. Not only had he given me a new career, but he also placed me on a team with a wonderful educator who had a cousin she wanted me to meet. This meeting would help shape me as an adult and give me two new roles.
A Husband:
My wife is a wonderful person, and I can proudly say the best part of me. She is the one who helped me find the Lord. We have been through a lot, and that journey will be a bigger story later. For now… just know that she is a huge part of my story.
A Father:
When I met my wife, I also met my son. He was a very intelligent young man and always very inquisitive. Being a step-dad was always challenging, as I had to learn to be a dad without all the baby years. It wasn’t always easy, but the Lord knew where I needed to be. There was a reason he brought me into the life of this wonderful woman and terrific young man. He is now grown, and I couldn’t be prouder of the man he has become.
Being a Husband and Father defined who I would be for years to come. Practices, games, competitions, we did them all. In the end, he chose music as his main focus. We did so many concerts and competitions.
I never understood what was happening, but I was always there. He would talk about how he messed up, but I never heard it. I just replied, “ Did you see that idiot who clapped at the end of the first measure thingy? He would answer, “Yeah, that was funny.”
“That was me, so you didn’t mess up as badly as I did.”
Just a note for music parents, the song isn’t over when it stops, who knew. Always wait for others to clap first! There should really be a sign.
When he moved out, we had to adapt. Our life had been wrapped up in his schedule. We had to rediscover who we were. I had to be intentional about spending time with my wife. Things were always good, but we had to find out what our lives would be like.
So… if you are feeling that way, you are not alone. Be intentional, men. Get to know your wife again. Spend your time getting to know who you are now.
That’s where I am again. Trying to figure out where I am, but this time it was questioning time with His Son, not mine.
Talk again soon….
