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Hey Dad,

"It was the best of times; it was the worst of times." Whoever wrote that was obviously an RVer because that's what RVing does—it brings out the best and the worst in families, and dads.

Let me bring you up to date. We pulled up anchor and set sail in the Familyman Mobile for Minnesota on Monday. Since that time we have traveled about 600 miles without a single mechanical failure (which for an RVer is almost miraculous). We've stayed at some of the finest Wal-marts and Sam's Clubs anywhere and were able to go to the Mall of America yesterday, where Abe leaned over and told me, "You're the best dad in the whole world."

That's the best of times.

But we've also had some ugly times in the last couple of days. The kids have been out of sorts, and I have been a mega-grouch at times. I've been harsh with them and my wife (hey, she was telling me how to drive!). Plus, gas is $2.79 a GALLON (multiply that by 75)!!

I've tried to be Mr. Spiritual Leader, explaining to the kids how we are to be salt and light in this world, and how we need to put others before ourselves. But that's when I usually start to clench my teeth and blow my "spiritual giant" persona.

Man, I wish there was some kind of pill I could take to make me what I want to be. Because the truth is, my family's attitude depends on my attitude. They mirror me. And your kids mirror you.

Yow!

But there is no pill. The way I see it, I have two options: I can either stay on the grumpy train or I can try again. In fact, I think as soon as I send this out, I'll gather the family, ask forgiveness (again), talk about what God wants from us as a family, and keep on going.

I once was asked, "What makes a good dad?" As I've thought about that question, I think the answer is this: A good dad keeps trying.

He blows his cool, gets snappy, or says unkind things. BUT he apologizes and keeps trying. He gets back up on the horse, jumps back in the ring, and gets back behind the wheel of the RV.

That, my fellow dad, is what a good dad is. And that's what I'm going to do.

And so can you.

You 'da dad,

© 2006 Todd Wilson. Used by permission.

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