I often think back to a decade ago. My oldest wasn’t even a teenager yet, the family was still growing. There was a lot of pressure by my peers to work hard, accumulate, to get ahead in life. I remember wanting to leave my mark on the world, to be somebody. To be something. I remember working a lot of long hours at a day job, working a part-time job, being a landlord, volunteering with the local ambulance… all with a young family. “I’ll make it up to them once my ship comes in” was my mindset.
Ten plus years later, what do I have to show for it? Nothing. I lost everything during the recession. The ship came in and sank at the dock. On top of that, I don’t have the relationship with my older children that I should have – all because it was expected of me to be “industrious” and show ambition. To spend every waking moment trying to fulfill the expectations of the culture I was living. Because that was the only way to get ahead in life. All I can do now is salvage what is left.
My plea to all the young fathers out there: The work will be there later and so will the business opportunities. Your children are here now. You’re going to blink and that toddler you can hold in your lap is going to be an adult. Their going to face struggles… perhaps some of the same struggles you faced as a young adult and they may need you in their life to help & guide them. Now is the time to invest in your family. Not tomorrow or the day after. Don’t wait until your ship comes in. Do it today.
Milepost 81 