My family went to Washington D.C. a few years ago because my wife was attending a conference for work.

We got to see all the memorials and monuments. We were able to experience historic places. We walked, and walked, and walked.

We rode the subway some, but there was a lot of walking.

One of the days, while my wife was in her conference meetings, I ushered my daughter and son around to all the tourist spots. I navigated as best I could. I protected the kids from obvious dangers that come with a dense population, I shared my knowledge from my previous trip to that area. I entertained, and I inspired them when they got tired.

It was great fun, and great work.

It symbolized to me what being a father is…

Part tour guide, part police chief, part circus clown, part wise guru, and part encourager.

Being a father is not easy.

Being a father is not always convenient, it’s not publicly rewarding, it’s not adequately celebrated, it takes wisdom, humility, and strength.

But here is the truth fellow fathers.

You communicate love to your children through attention, time, boundaries, and security.

A son looks to you to see who he should be in the future. A daughter looks to you to see who she should be with in the future.

Your children depend on you.

The time you give them will be remembered forever, the words you speak will be their inner voice for years, and the love you demonstrate will shape their lives.

They watch the way you love and serve God, your wife, and others.

Society is lining up against you, many in media are downplaying your role, entertainers are challenging your relevance. But you have everything you need to be who God made you to be.

The world, our country, our communities, and most importantly your family, all need you to be a father.

Not Superman, but super involved.

Not a CEO, but a leader at home.

Not perfect, but dedicated.

Not a hero, but a father.

All your success, all your money, and all your accomplishments are rubbish, if you fail to be a father to your children.

Yield to God, stand up for truth, and love your family.

-Tom Wise