Being a father is a privilege

One out of 365 sounds like a pretty poor return if you ask me.

Father’s Day is one day out of 365 in which my family celebrates me for playing my role as dad.

If I had that low of a return in my career, my batting average, or any other area of my life, I’d close up shop and quit for being a failure. But the truth is, in spite of all the hard work, self-sacrifice, worry and effort that goes into being a dad, I’d do it even if there were zero days out of 365 where I’m celebrated for my role.

But I do love Father’s Day.

Not just because I feel special and celebrated for being dad and my family let’s me do whatever I want. I love Father’s Day because it reminds me of the privilege and responsibility I have as a father. Nobody else in the whole world can be for my kids what I am — their dad.

It’s not the job of their teacher, pastor, boss, coach, mother, friends, or anyone else to father my children. That’s my job and my joyful responsibility. And Father’s Day reminds me it’s more important than any other responsibility I have as a man.

Fortunately, it’s a job and responsibility that comes with awesome rewards far beyond just Father’s Day. Like heart-warming moments when my 2-year-old daughter climbs into my lap just to be close to her daddy.