Most talk of pride and joy, happy moments, and the accomplishment of being a father. Those things are all very real, but what most don’t talk about is the fear — more specifically, the fear that you will let your child down.
Being a noble father takes more than putting a house over their head or food on the table. It takes more than I love you’s and bedtime stories. Being a noble father takes selflessness, humility, patience, and perspective. It requires the kind of perspective that allows you to see the world through your child’s eyes, and to explain things in a way that they will learn and understand — opposed to the typical, “because I told you so” or “go ask your mother.”
Don’t get me wrong, respect is one of the most important things to teach your child. “Yes, ma’am” and “No, ma’am” are unfortunately becoming less common to hear these days. I believe one of the most effective ways to teach respect is to give it. Something that has always been heavy on my heart is the understanding that it is my responsibility to lead my child, not manage them. Not to douse the flame of platitudes and gestures of good intention on this day, my objective is to address like-minded fellow fathers and let them know, you are not alone.
There is plenty of joy in fatherhood, and being a father is by far one of the greatest adventures of my life. The fear of fatherhood isn’t a burden, but a blessing. It motivates me to run harder and faster, to fight for what’s right and noble, and to strive to be the best version of myself. Are we not all simply preparing the world for our children to inherit?
So, on this day and the days that follow, let us strive to be the best versions of ourselves — for our children and their future.
To all the fathers out there, may God bless you and your children.
-Hans Rosser, Owner of Roof Boost, LLC