Late Spring in Houston can be hotter than the peak of Summer elsewhere with low humidity. So, it was on this hot Spring day, and we decided to make the most of it because it doesn’t take us much to have fun. We set up our inflatable swimming pool under the shade of the oak tree in our front yard. I sat back and watched with satisfaction as our children played and cooled off. After a while, Agbenu ran to me and hugged me. She was happy and content, then had the following discussion:

Agbenu: “Dad, I wish you had two jobs. Let the first job be that you will always be at home, and watch us, and play with us. Then your second job will be your work.”

Me: “Mama, I already have two jobs.”

Agbenu: “Really dad?”

Me: “Yes, Mama. My first and main job is to always be your dad and to love you and your brothers. My second job which is my ‘work’ is to help me be a better dad. How about that?”

Agbenu: “Yeah!!!!!”

• 5/30/15

Thanks to my journaling, it’s been over four years since then. Little did I know then that Agbenu was helping me define my purpose. I’m called to be an intentional father to both my biological children and all whom I am a father figure to. I remain committed to showing up, providing the enabling environment, intentional listening and having dialogues.