The Joy of Being a Dad

By Tracy Welborn

My son is one of the neatest people I know.  Each time we begin an ISEE course we start with an exercise that asks us to think of someone or something that we have unconditional love for – I always think of Brantley.  When he was a baby we used to take naps on the couch.  I would lay on my back and he would sleep, stomach down, on my chest.  There we were, heart to heart, father and son.  It was great.

Last night I got an email from Brantley.  He loves quotes – in fact he writes his own.  Here are his latest:

“If you aren’t here for yourself - how can you be here for me?” – Brantley Welborn

“The power within you is greater than…” – Brantley Welborn

The quotes themselves are full of insight and truth, but that’s a discussion for another time.  The thing that struck me was how proud he was to sign his name at the end.  I could feel it when I read it.  He had found a truth within himself and properly quoted the author.  I write quotes as well, but too many times I get caught up in the analyzing after and the second guessing of how I “feel” about it.

The writer of Proverbs in the Bible tells us to “Train up a child in the way he should go, even when he is old he will not depart from it.”  Taken out of context, this verse has lead to a few too many spankings by frustrated parents unable and unwilling to deal with their own negative patterns.  Here’s how I see it best demonstrated by speaking to Brantley myself.

“Brantley, these are GREAT quotes.  Both of them are succinct and full of wisdom.  Whatever source you have connected to that has given you this insight is “right on”.  This is your truth that you found within yourself – something that no one can give to you.  Continue you on this path and you will have a wonderful life.  Thank you for sharing them with me – they resonate in my heart too.” – Dad

I’ll end with a quote:

“What a blessing it is to be someone’s dad” – Tracy Welborn

Comments

[Mark Youngblood]

Tracy, your comments really touched my heart. As a father to a terrific young man, I too find myself in awe of my son and being so deeply thankful to be his dad. We have been very fortunate in attracting these beautiful souls into our lives!