"R.U.N.?"

I recently started a new business with a friend of mine.  With my non profit, it was easier and less expensive for me to buy a timing system than to continue to rent one for the races we use to raise money to feed kids.  I have done what I always do when it comes to new things in my life.  I jump in whole heartedly with out reservation.  I like to be in control and make sure everything is done the way I think it should be done.  I like to dream of future success both financially and professionally.  I dream big and figure out a way to make that happen.  Its just the way I am.  I try to live out the mindset, "GO BIG OR GO HOME.."

Its funny how God uses things in your life to make sure you are listening to Him.  Its funny how you learn lessons in life when you least expect it.  Your heart and mind are telling you, you are doing the right thing, but somehow someway, God shows you the truth....

A few days ago I had a dual purpose event.  We held a glow run and we were using the glow run to raise money for the non profit.  It was only our 3rd race to time and be in complete control.  The pre race responsibilities were almost breaking us mentally as we struggled at times to get everything set and completed.  The course was difficult to manage due to the physical distance between registration, the start line, and the finish line.  I was stressed to the max because I couldn't make sure everything was going the way I felt it should be.  During event times, I go into a mode that I thought was very productive.  However, I will be proven wrong....

As the race finished, I felt like I had failed.  I felt like I was not doing the best job I could have.  The runners were thrilled with the race.  The timing system did its job.  My business partner did awesome.  Registration was the best it had ever been.  We made more money than we thought we would.  It was a great night and I was not in control of any of it...

On several occasions, people would come up to talk and I was so worried about success, I couldn't even enjoy the moment....

The next evening as the entire family went to dinner together, God would use my oldest son to teach me a lesson I would not forget...

We sat at Polos Restaurant in Ada Ok with my entire family.  My parents and my brother and his family were all sitting there eating and laughing about the weekend.  I made a joke that was just like something I would always do.  My son laughed, and said, "well, Dad is back..."

I looked at him as the table went silent...Everyone knew what he was saying except me....

My wife look at me and said,"you are a different person when you have a race.  The day before, the day of, and the day after we just have to leave you alone...."

Parker then said, "I can tell you in one word..."  As he held up his hand and counted every letter, God began to speak....

"R.U.N."

I sat there....I sat there and understood what my oldest son was saying....I didn't respond, I didn't react, I didn't know what to say....

You see, many times, as fathers, we think we are doing what we should by making money and providing for our family, but we miss the point... We miss the opportunity to serve our families...  We miss the opportunity to serve others.... We even miss the opportunity to serve God....

R U N for being a great husband?
R U N for being a great father?
R U N for being a great leader?

It doesn't take money...  It takes guts and desire to serve God, Family, and others....

Today is Fathers Day, what commitment will you make to be a better dad?