Hey Dad,

Have you ever noticed that traveling often brings out the worst in dads, kind of like a werewolf when a full moon appears? Although we're not on vacation, we have been able to see some cool things while we've been traveling around encouraging dads and moms.

Take the other day. We were zipping along some mighty pretty countryside on our way to the Grand Canyon. In my head, I pictured the Brady Bunch in their station wagon happily singing, "Row, row, row your boat," as we passed the miles away. In reality, my kids were arguing over who got to sit in the front seat last, who had the last licorice whip, and why life is so unfair.

I tried my best to point out how blessed we were to be seeing the Grand Canyon—but it didn't work. Instead I heard things like:

"How much longer?"

"Are we going to stay long?"

"Can we go swimming?"

Then it happened—the transformation. I became a Were-Dad. I hollered, threatened, and guilted the kids with comments like, "Do you know how fortunate you are to be seeing what we're going to see? Do you know how many people would kill to see the Canyon? Why don't you look out the window and see God's incredible creation? Roarrrrrr!!"

Transformation complete.

I was so mad that I gave up and pulled out of the game. That's why if you check out my RV blog, you won't see any pictures of me at the Grand Canyon. That's because I didn't want my picture taken. I didn't want to smile, have fun, or be a good dad.

In fact, I was so bad, I was afraid to get too near the canyon's edge because I thought one of my family members might push me over.

Things might have improved if you had been there. What I needed was another dad to stick his finger in my chest, look me in the eye, and say, "Quit your sniveling. You 'da dad!"

But there was no other dad, so I missed out. Later, I apologized and things got better. But I'm still convinced that we dads need each other. We need dads praying for other dads every day—even when they travel with their families or go on vacation.

Dad, I don't know how things are at your house, but if things have seemed kind of rough, and you feel like pulling out or hanging on to your bad attitude, let me just say from one Were-Dad to another, "Quit your sniveling, because you 'da dad!!"

Keep praying for this dad,

© 2008 Todd Wilson. Used by permission.

[05/02/2008]

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