Fatherhood

“That’s my picture of fatherhood. Steve has invited each of his sons to ride next to him in life. Over the miles of our family’s ride together, he has chosen to talk a little and listen a lot. In the process, he has handed them the tools of journey. He has handed them the map. It’s a Dad’s job to explain what’s happening outside the window, and what’s up ahead. He has to point to times when there is only a Dead End and quietly redirect when a chosen course goes amuck. I have watched the very essence of Fatherhood happen because of the road atlas in the shotgun seat.”
-excerpt from Kelley Leigh’s piece “Maps and Shotgun”

Amazing writing and concept, isn’t it? If you have a father (that means no one’s excluded!) or you are married to a father or an almost-father or just like amazing analogies of parenthood in general, you must stop by Kelley’s Blog to read her article entitled “Maps and Shotgun.” It is a beautifully written piece about what it means to give your children tools for the journey of life and faith. It is funny and honest and will challenge your ideas of what it means to parent. Have your husband take a look, too. I’m sure it will serve as an encouragement to him in the vital role he plays in your home. Here’s another inspiring snapshot of the article to whet your apetite even more:

“We can’t make our kids use the map. We can’t force them to choose the best course. But, after a lot of miles of sticky seats, and travel, this I know for sure. Steve’s sons have an understanding of life’s True North, and the means to find their way. He has given them a compass for literal asphalt highways, and the less visible path of faith. And, they will all continue to grow beside him, until they step out on their own journeys and carry their own maps. I’m confident, deep in their souls, even if they get really lost for a while and wander way off path, they’ll always know how to find their life’s true Way. ” -Kelley Leigh

I have no doubt we will be seeing this in print one day soon. I just can’t get enough of this chick’s writing.

Tagged as: fatherhood, quotes