Hey Dad,

You know, mail carriers have nothing on dads. Sure, it's true that neither rain, nor snow, nor gloom of night will keep them from their appointed duties. But is everyone watching their every move when it's raining, snowing, or glooming? I didn't think so.

Dads aren't so lucky. Not only do we have to do our dad duties in all kinds of weather, but also our kids all always watching—and learning. I mean always!

Take the other day. We had spent the night in a Lowe's parking lot, which put us about 100 yards away from the main entrance to Wal-Mart. Because we needed a few items before we hit the road and because it was pouring down rain, I offered to go inside so my wife could stay nice and dry.

So along with a few kids, I crossed the semi-flooded parking lot, loaded up a cart, and pushed it back to the RV. By the time the cart was unloaded, I was wet to the drawers.

There was only one little thing left to do—battle with myself. You see, the cart corral was a long way away from where we were parked, it was raining bats and hogs, and my kids were watching and waiting to see what I would do.

Sure, Wal-Mart asks that we put the carts back in the corral, but I was in the middle of a gully-washer, and there were other carts that were scattered throughout the waterlogged lot. But my kids were watching and would know that I didn't follow the rules.

Maybe they weren't watching. Who am I kidding? They're always watching—and so is God.

Sooo, I pushed the cart over to the corral in the rain, got soaked to the bone, and taught my children an invaluable lesson—because our children are always watching us, Dad.

They see us when we drive ten miles over the speed limit, make an illegal U-turn, share meals on the all-you-can-eat buffet, or leave the grocery cart in the middle of the parking lot. And it doesn't matter if it's raining, snowing, or glooming. They're always watching.

So, my fellow dad, be on your guard, leave a good example, and don't forget to put your cart back in the corral.

You 'da Dad,

© 2008 Todd Wilson. Used by permission.

[04/18/2008]

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