Good evening, World! It’s Sunday (and a very special Father’s Day).

My father Ken passed away in February this year. He lived a full life and was the hardest working man I’ve ever known. Suffice it to say he made a lifelong impression on me. His father wasn’t around to guide him through his teens or twenties. My father’s father put an end to his suffering when they could find no cure for his excruciating headaches. He ended his pain but left a difficult void to fill. Who would be there for Dad to learn from?

The Navy taught Dad discipline and his desire to succeed overcame a number of obstacles that most small businesses face. Even the latest statistics indicate that 9 out of 10 new business ventures fail so he demonstrated a relentless resilience for us kids each day on how to persevere in business and in life.

I paid attention, made mental notes, made some critical choices and focused on success. I hoped to achieve what seemed so elusive for Dad…financial accomplishment. Mid way through life, I find my focus shifting away from striving for success and more toward seeking significance.

I heard Coach Jerry Kill (Minnesota Gopher football coach) this morning addressing Westwood church (we LiveStream it) on the priorities of faith, family and football – in that order and how it wasn’t always that way for him. I can identify with having a mixed up set of priorities.

That is why I am so proud of my son Jeff and how he has his priorities straight.

Recap:

My grandfather instilled a sense of urgency into my Father that he grow up quickly and trust himself.

My Father instilled an incredible amount of responsibility and work ethic in me.

I did my best to instill a desire that our kids reach maximum potential and leverage the gifts God blessed us with.

My son Jeff has made sacrifices, relocated, put career goal emphasis behind fatherhood and realigned typical materialistic tendencies to ensure his son Dylan is taken care of first.

With this kind of living and fully present example, my grandson Dylan is growing up knowing his Dad as being the number one male figure in his life; teaching, guiding, loving, laughing and sharing quality time together.

Happy Father’s Day.

Have a blessed week.