Influence & Intentionality.

Kirk Herbstreit is my favorite sports announcer. 

I watch college football more than any sport so I don’t even know many more announcers. Joe Buck? Nah, give me Herbstreit any day. 

He knows his stuff. He’s professional.

And he’s caring. 

Today Kirk will help an aging Lee Corso with his last segment on College Gameday. 

I’m watching as I write. 

I don’t typically watch SportsCenter or other shows on ESPN, but I had a friend that did. 

That same friend had a great sense of humor. I remember one time he sang Sweet Emotion in front of the our entire class. He played football, hockey, baseball, and tennis. His love for classic rock was deep. He was kind, likable, funny, caring. A great guy all around. 

He was watching SportCenter when my dad and I visited him last. 

He was in a nursing and rehabilitation center. 

He was 31. 

He battled alcoholism. A battle inherited from his dad. And ultimately handed down from Grandpa. 

The day we entered to visit he was sleeping with SportsCenter playing in the background. 

We talked to him. Encouraged him. Updated him on our life events. 

And then the room grew quiet. We called for the nurse. 

She entered the room and checked his vitals. 

He was gone. 

I spoke at my friend’s funeral days later. 

His dad, devastated, gave me a hug. We were both hurting. Trying to manage and regulate our emotions enough to get through the day. 

He had liquor on his breath. 

And he died shortly after his son. 

My friend dying from complications stemming from alcoholism is certainly a tragedy. 

The tragedy began with influence. The influence of his father. And his father’s father. 

My friend’s grandfather watched beloved members of his family die in reverse. First his grandson. Then his son. 

Dads, never underestimate your influence. It’s massive. It can impact generations of your family. 

Your influence is there, whether you see it or not. 

Each day for a father is an opportunity to help shape your children and even their future family.  

Be aware of your influence. 

And be intentional in making it matter.

God help us lead our family in moments large and small. Help us look to Christ as the example for our lives and our leadership. Help us lead on purpose, with intention. Amen.