There are certain roles in the family that I intensely dislike. Playing host, coordinator, manager, and overall tour guide when traveling is one of them. I do realize that I am in the right position. First, my frequent traveler miles are ten times the total of everyone else in the family. Second, I have usually been to the city we are visiting at least once before, Third, that is what dads do, right? Maybe, but nobody seems to have asked or informed the fathers of this world.
Regardless of my thoughts on the matter, Whitney, Carli, and Cherry expect that I will take charge, get all questions answered, and know instantly what activities will meet all expectations (voiced and silent). Yesterday was a prime example. Cruising around Amsterdam on a sunny Sunday afternoon we were following our loose agenda to a tee. I could see and sense, well at least I thought I could, how things were building. Destination just beyond my memory, expectations diverging, and tension beginning to build. My mandated role was becoming to a pivotal point in the day.
Even at the time I knew I was reacting badly. I wanted to play tourist and wander a bit, not informed tour guide responsible for everyone’s happiness. My solution was to set expectations clearly, put them in a shady spot, and take a quick break to get help. I found some help, got a fresh map and new information, and accepted my role. Actually things did work after that! Our first goal was within two hundred yards of where we had been standing, everyone enjoyed lunch, and the rest of the afternoon went very well!
You and I may not want to accept our mandate from God, but it is still there. People need to know about His love, mercy, and acceptance. It is easy to suggest that they should know, “but unless Christ’s word is preached, there’s nothing to listen to.” (Romans 10.17) We can run but the need is still there! What we know we can share, that’s our role as friends!
