Embracing the Little Moments: A Father’s Day Reflection

As Father’s Day approaches, I find myself thinking less about grand gestures and more about the small moments that make being a dad so incredibly rewarding. Between teaching, coaching basketball, and juggling Roots Coffee Company, life can feel like a constant sprint. Yet it’s in those pockets of quiet—the early morning sun on freshly mown grass, or a cluster of little hands eager to help—that I’m reminded why I pursued all these roles in the first place: my family.

Finding Joy in Simple Tasks

Just last weekend, I was out mowing the lawn when I noticed a tiny parade of my three older kids trailing behind me. They insisted on pushing a toy wheelbarrow, “helping” scoop grass clippings, and riding their bike right behind me to make sure I didn't miss any spots. The sun was just high enough to warm our shoulders, and I watched them shift from playtime squabbles to teamwork in a heartbeat. One minute they were bickering over who got to go get the next yard waste bag; the next, they were tag-teaming to pick up all the sticks that were in the way of the mower.

These small instances of inclusion—my kids wanting nothing more than to be part of whatever I’m doing—mean everything. It reminds me that fatherhood isn’t about grand accomplishments; it’s inviting them into life’s everyday moments, celebrating the beauty of being an active participant rather than a bystander.

Bringing Them into My World

Over the last couple of years, I’ve made a conscious effort to bridge the gap between “work Dad” and “home Dad.” This week, I decided to bring my boys to our high school weight training sessions. Their eyes lit up when they saw the athletes lifting weights and sprinting drills out on the football field. Suddenly, weight plates weren’t just for varsity athletes; they were giant playground equipment to my little ones.

That day, they mimicked squats with anything they could pick up and cheered on their "basketball girls". At first, I worried it might be chaotic—after all, weight training isn’t exactly toddler-friendly. But watching them soak in that environment, trying to mimic the exercises, and proudly declaring they “worked out like real basketball players” gave me a jolt of energy I didn’t know I needed. It reinforced my goal for this summer: to be home with enough fuel left in the tank to pour entirely into them.

Grilling Up Father’s Day Tradition

We don’t have an elaborate set of Father’s Day rituals. My main goal for every Father’s Day is to grill-out for my kids, my wife, and my parents who live right across the street. There’s something about flipping burgers and tongs in hand, teaching my eldest how to flip a hot dog just right, while the little ones run around with paper plates, that feels like pure celebration.

This year, I’m looking forward to the familiar sizzle of the grill, the smell of marinated chicken in the air, and laughter coming from the swing set. Although it may not be an elaborately choreographed tradition, these simple moments—gathered on in the back yard, kids getting out every single toy we own, while grandparents sneak them sweets—capture everything I love about my role as a dad.

Modeling Work Ethic and Persistence

As a teacher, coach, and coffee roaster, I hope my kids observe more than just the end results. I want them to see the effort that goes into planning lessons, designing practice drills, and perfecting small-batch roasts. Whether it’s staying late to grade assignments, watching film for the basketball team, or testing different roast profiles until the flavor is just right, my goal is for them to understand that success rarely comes without persistence. I want them to witness how showing up consistently, tackling challenges head-on, and refusing to give up—even when things get tough—can lead to growth and accomplishment. By seeing me dedicate myself to these tasks day after day, I hope they internalize the belief that hard work and perseverance truly pay off in the long run.

Navigating a Schedule Shaped by Little Needs

If there’s one thing that’s been a challenge, it’s how much our day-to-day life revolves around our kids’ schedules—naptimes, feeding times, and sudden sickness. When I first became a dad, I thought I could carve out a rigid schedule for work, coaching, and home. What I quickly learned is that parenthood laughs in the face of rigid timetables.

On any given day, I might shift a plan because my toddler needs an impromptu cuddle, or I swap a grading night for falling asleep in bed with my son. And while that unpredictability can feel messy, it’s also taught me adaptability and humility. There’s a certain joy in flipping pancakes at 10 a.m. because my son refused to eat breakfast at 7. It’s messy, but it’s real, and it’s worth every cracked egg on the floor.

Witnessing Their Growth—A Constant Reward

Nothing compares to watching my children discover the world. My three-year-old’s face when he dug up worms in the garden—pure wonder. My five-year-old’s determination as he pedals his bike without training wheels around the block by himself. And seeing my older two transition seamlessly into big siblings to our newborn—comforting him with the softest “shh” and giving little bro his paci with reverence.

These moments—seeing them go from squabbling one second to playing as best friends the next—fill me with gratitude. Fatherhood’s greatest gift isn’t checking off achievements; it’s witnessing those tiny milestones: the first bite of ice cream, the first time they catch a ball, or the first time they cheerfully ask, “Can I help, Daddy?”

The Lesson of Presence

If there’s one lesson I’ve learned—and continue to learn—it’s to be fully present. My phone used to be an endless distraction; there were times I’d catch myself scrolling when my kids tugged at my shirt, wanting me to listen. So, I deleted social media apps from my phone. That way, there’s no temptation to buzz through notifications when what they truly need is my undivided attention.

Being present means letting work worries wait, silencing the mental to-do list, and simply focusing on my kids’ questions—even if it’s the twentieth “Why?” of the morning. It’s in those moments—me on one knee, eye level with my 3-year-old explaining why the grass is green—that I feel like I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be.

Final Thoughts and a Father’s Day Invitation

This Father’s Day, I’m celebrating the unglamorous, beautiful chaos of being a dad. I won’t be scaling any mountains—just firing up the grill, gathering my family around, and soaking in their laughter and chatter. My hope is that in sharing this reflection, you’ll pause to cherish the tiny moments in your life too: mowing the yard, teaching a bedtime Bible story, or simply sitting on the couch during nap time.

To all the dads out there—whether you’re coaching a team, running a business, or simply trying to keep up with little ones—here’s to being present, embracing the mess, and loving every bit of it. Happy Father’s Day. May your day be filled with small, unforgettable moments.