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Hey Dad,

We're having a little attitude problem here at the Wilson house this morning. For the last few weeks, we've been enjoying life "off" the road. We've enjoyed our big beds, big bathrooms, big yard, and big everything else.

Today, we head back out on the road for several days down South. Bye-bye big—hello cramped, tight spaces. To make matters worse, my brothers' and sister's families are vacationing at a lake just a few miles from where we live while we're gone. My kids desperately wish we could be here with their cousins and the rest of their kin.

I wish I could say I'm all pumped up for the trip, but I'm not. But I know that this is when my family needs their dad most. This is one of those moments that, when the going gets tough, the dad gets going. Besides, as their dad, I know that it will be really good once we get there. It's just the leaving and getting there that sounds hard.

My family needs me to hold the team together, keep the family purpose and vision in front of us, and do whatever I can to make the miles enjoyable. That won't be easy.

But I'm 'da dad!!

So, I'm going to lead them all in prayer before we leave, stop for ice cream along the way, work hard at keeping my cool, be conscious of the circumstances, and use my very calmest voice.

The truth is, we all face situations that nobody likes. Sometimes you have to go to family reunions that no one wants to attend, go to weddings of people you hardly know, or do projects that are messy and drawn out.

In order to keep the troops happy, some families let their kids abandon ship—stay with friends, stay behind, or choose not to participate. But when they do, they miss out on the best. Because some of the best times seem like the worst times: times where the family has to come together to accomplish something or to encourage someone else.

So, Dad, got something you're dreading looming before your family? Rally the troops, stand behind the helm—and stop for ice cream along the way.

Gotta go finish loading the RV.

You 'da Dad,

© 2007 Todd Wilson. Used by permission.

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