Lance’s Birthday

Today is Lance’s birthday. He’s my third child. I am a proud dad. He has many talents and is a great kid. I have enjoyed watching him mature into the adult who is making his way in the world now.

He graduated from college in December, as you know from a previous post, and is working at a job he’s enjoying. The realization that it requires showing up at the same place everyday for eight hours was a change for him, as it was for all of us transitioning from the classroom to a traditional employment setting. He’s settled into his new position and is learning how to navigate all of the demands that it places on his life.

I think as a father, I am proud that he is being responsible while enjoying his life. A few weeks back, he and a couple of buddies took off to go hiking, a new venture for him. I think plans are being made for future hiking trips.

When your kids are growing up, you want to protect them from the harsh realities of the world. There’s so many things from the culture that are not age appropriate when they’re younger. Competing with protecting them is preparing them to face the world with all of its challenges and pitfalls. You have to let them fail on occasion for them to be determined to do better. You have to let them experience things that aren’t comfortable for them to grow. You have to let them become the person that God intends for them to be while hopefully being a guide and sometimes a sage who has made mistakes they shouldn’t have to make themselves. It is a perplexing, often daunting challenge to be a good parent.

The goal of course is to have your child go out into this world and find their place. That’s scary to watch.

I am proud of all of my children. On this day, Lance, it is you that I honor and say to you,

“I love you, son. You are everything that a father could ask for. I am happy that you are finding your way, that you are happy, and that you are a wonderful adult. I look forward to seeing where God’s plan takes you and the life that you lead. No matter what, your mom and I are in your corner to support you when times are tough and when they are good. Thank you, Lance.”

With Love,
Dad