They say you should try walking in someone else's shoes. This is especially the case when it comes to compassion and sympathy. There are so many people that I have never walked in their shoes, including my children.
Success as a parent is elusive. It seems as if the target is always moving. At bare minimum, it's overwhelming to think about all the areas we hope to raise our children successfully.
"Son!" My dad's voice rang out from across the yard. I knew he was calling for me to come. As I trotted toward where he was a few thoughts ran through my mind. The first was, "oh no, what did I do?". The second was, "will I get in trouble?". Finally, I thought maybe he needs help with something. As I rounded the corner of the house I immediately knew what he wanted.
"Unexpected"! That was my wife's response when I asked her how the day had gone. And what was the cause of the unexpected, unaccomplished, interrupt riddled, stress-filled day?
Kids ask a lot of questions. A recent study states that "mothers are asked 228 questions a day". And that is just for one child. (My wife and I have 5 - sooo...) Parents get asked numerous questions a day.
There was not an event in my life I could remember where he was not present. So my fathers perceived absence from my game was troubling. It really was his presence I craved and desired, regardless of how close or far away he was. This was especially true for my sports games.
Preacher on the Run... 