As a father, I am concerned for my children’s well being and success. I realize that doesn’t make me special or different. Most parents have the same concerns.
However, I am very aware that I can only do so much. All of my children are at the age and stage of life where they have to begin making their own way and developing their own habits.
I am now fill an advisory role. And I am limited even in that. Saying too much can be just as bad as saying too little.
Big A came back to Kansas for Spring Break in order to secure a job for the summer. He had a successful interview with the manager of The Bonefish Grill where Cakes works as a hostess.
About one month ago, I suggested that he touch base with the manager via e-mail telling him when he would arrive, etc.
A few weeks later, I asked him, “Did you e-mail the manager?”
“Yes.”
“Great! Have you heard anything back from him?”
His voice grew downcast, “No.”
I realized that he was discouraged in this area of life. Last summer, he overestimated his wrestling schedule and actually lost his job at the pizza shop. Other than a few odd jobs, he was unable to find work for the entire summer.
When I got off the phone, Cakes asked me how he was doing. I filled her in and then I mentioned the discouragement in his voice when we talked about the job.
This morning, since Mom was in class and I was at work, Cakes picked him up from the airport.
I received the following text:
“Dad, Big A and I are job hunting right now…He’s in a restaurant called the Salty Iguana that is opening soon and he’s been in there for a little while, so that is good…”
She picked him up from the airport and took him directly out for job interviews! I did not tell her to do that!
It seems that she took my small comment about him being discouraged in this area and got inspired to help him!
That blesses my heart! I want to help him but I have to limit myself. He is a young man now. But there is nothing preventing his sisters from helping him!
And were he to ask, she can honestly say, “No, Dad did not put me up to it.”
