You’re Doing Better Than You Think, Dad

I’ve noticed something. It’s subtle, but it’s everywhere.

When people talk about having kids, even if they’re not complaining, there’s often this underlying tone: what a burden.You hear things like, “It’s exhausting,” or “Say goodbye to free time,” or “Kids will eat you out of house and home.” And to be fair—raising children is hard. It’s expensive. It’s relentless. It stretches every part of you: your patience, your budget, your sleep schedule, and your prayer life.

But here’s the thing: it’s also the best thing I’ve ever done.

The world might see parenthood as a series of sacrifices—and yes, there’s plenty we give up. But what the world often misses is what we gain.When I became a father, my life didn’t shrink. It grew. My heart grew. My joy grew. My sense of purpose grew.

People like to say things like, “Your kids will change your life.” And it’s true. But not just because they need so much from you. It’s because they give you something in return that you didn’t even know you were missing.

It’s not that I’ve had to lay down my life for my kids…It’s that my life finally started to mean something more because of them.

Some days, I look around and feel like I should be doing better in life.

I wish I had more saved for their future.

I wish I could say “yes” more often when they ask for something.

I wish I could plan that once-in-a-lifetime European vacation.

I wish I had a little more to give—more time, more energy, more margin.

But here’s what I’ve realized: That’s not what my kids are looking at.

They’re not keeping track of my financial portfolio or career achievements.

They don’t measure me by what I buy or what I plan.

They measure me by how I show up.

By whether I listen when they need to vent.

By how I react when they mess up.

By whether I remember their favorite snack—or their favorite joke.

By whether I pray with them when life feels scary.

By whether I’m still cheering from the sidelines, long after everyone else has stopped clapping.

They see me tired, and they still think I’m strong.

They see me stressed, and they still believe I’ll make it work.

They see my imperfections, and somehow… they still see Superman.

That kind of love can only come from God. It’s grace in its purest form.

And maybe—just maybe—that’s why God gives us children: To teach us something about the way He loves us.

Unconditionally.

Completely.

Without scoreboard or status.

Jesus once said, “Whoever welcomes one of these little ones in my name welcomes me.”

And every time we show up for our kids, He’s there. Every time we love them when it’s hard, He sees it. Every time we parent in weakness, but with faith, He calls it strength.

So this Father’s Day, if you’re feeling a little behind, a little worn out, or a little unsure whether you’re doing it right…

Let me tell you what your children already believe:

You are awesome.

You’re their rock.

You’re their anchor.

You’re their laughter.

You’re their comfort.You’re their steady.

So today, don’t overthink it. Don’t measure. Don’t compare.

Just accept it. Let their belief in you remind you of who you really are.

Stand tall.

Take it in.

And feel awesome.

Happy Father’s Day.

You’re doing better than you think—and you are deeply, deeply loved.

(This picture is me tossing my daughter who is now 22 years old and in college! Time flies!)