Iron Sharpens Iron, Men Strengthen Men

Almost 22 years ago, God blessed me with a son of my very own. When I was growing up, I wanted to be the father of a son because I thought I could better connect with a boy however when my daughter was born, everything changed. Maybe wanting a boy first wasn’t so strange because I have known other fathers who, while waiting for children of their own, felt the same way I had. 

Nevertheless, when you were born son, I was the happiest guy on the planet. People laughed at me when I got you your first baseball glove at your one-year-old birthday party. Why are you looking at me like that? I had to get you thinking about baseball, right? As you began to grow, I could see that you had a natural affinity to play the game as well as be a busybody. You weren’t a “sit still” type of kid and that was just fine with me because I wouldn’t have had you any other way.

When I look back on your young life, I see the amazing things that happened to you that still cause me to shake my head. While some of them involve sports and your individual performances, many of them involve how I saw you react and behave as you were growing up to be the quality man you are today. 

I wish God allowed our memories to be forever clear no matter how old we get but that is just not the case. We lose some along the way but hopefully remember the ones that are the most meaningful to us. I also think God allows some of the painful ones to disappear but I digress, I am talking to you, the Biola University graduate. 

The same guy who has persevered these last 4 years to make it to this great day. The day when you get to walk across that podium, wearing cap and gown, and receive that diploma and say “I did it!” But I would be remiss if I didn’t take the time and speak just a little about what it means to me to be your Dad.

Every Dad wants their son to grow up and be successful, but sometimes the road traveled can be more than many can bear. Life isn’t easy as our family has personally experienced the tragic loss of your sister, but yet from my vantage point, you stood your ground and fought the fight of grief that was presented to you. I know that fight is not over, but yet you carry your load with dignity and for that, I applaud you son because that is not an easy task. But let’s talk some more about you…

I want to go back for a moment and remind you of some things I remember from your life…

• Do you remember that basketball game you played in the sixth grade where you couldn’t miss a shot? Do you remember how the referee stopped the game and asked you to send some luck his way because of the night of shooting you were having? I may be wrong, but didn’t you score 30 points that night? I still laugh in amazement.

• Do you remember your performance as a high school senior in the city-wide Lions Tournament? In 5 games, you batted over .700? Your team won and you were voted the MVP of the whole tournament.

• Do you remember all the big roles you had in the musical productions you were in 5th and 6th grade?

• Do you remember making the All-Star team your first year in Little League and working so hard that they made you a starter over the older boys?

In my mind, those are great memories but it’s even more gratifying to see you now, a University graduate about to set out on your journey of life. You have learned to work hard because as you have seen, good grades don’t magically appear…they are earned. You have had to learn to multi-task to be successful in college and that talent will serve you well in life.

You have learned to live away from your mom and me from day one, which I know was important to you; to establish your own identity at college. Guess what? You succeeded. During your college career, you persisted, and now as a senior, what is it like having the freshman look up to you?

Over the last 4 years you have dealt with and persevered through car problems, girl problems, priority issues, homework, late nights, early mornings, roommates, crazy roommates, loneliness, grief, exhaustion, money problems, parents, distance, loyalty, laundry, cooking, cleaning, deadlines, fear, relationships, and the list goes on…all of this while maintaining your integrity. 

For all of these reasons and many more, I tell you son that as your father, I could not be any prouder of you than I am right now. Did you make mistakes? Yep, and we all do (and continue to do so) but yet you kept and (keep) on getting back up and forging ahead. Your uncle calls that fortitude, or having “gravel in your gut”…and I agree with him. That “never say die” mentality is what will propel you to success in any goal you set your eyes on reaching.

So here is my advice to achieve a satisfying life…

No matter what LIFE throws in your path. No matter what pain you may have to bear. No matter what suffering you may have to endure, or hardships…OR likewise…no matter what successes you may enjoy. 

No matter what happiness you may be blessed with…NEVER, EVER take your eyes off of Jesus Christ. 

For you to endure anything in your future son, either good or bad, you must trust in Him even when your mind says to do something else. As I have learned through the death of your sister, sometimes we are not meant to understand the “why” part, our job is to trust Him completely…your job, as the future head of your home, is to trust Him completely as well…

22 years ago, God blessed me with a son and he grew up to be you. You. Well, you turned out to be an amazing blessing and I believe with all my heart that God has awesome things planned for you. Just take that first step, just like you have always done…

I Love You Son and I am truly blessed that God chose me to be your Father…

Your Dad