My father passed away over 13 years ago. The holidays bring back many memories of my father. I wonder what my life, as well as my mother’s life, would be like if he was still here today. What I remember best about my father? Whether it was a Saturday or during the summer you would find me on the jobsite with my dad. I would even dress like my dad, carpenter jeans and a white T-shirt.

Often we hear that for children love is spelled t-i-m-e. That is what my father did. He spent time with me, mostly on a jobsite teaching me how to work. As I strive to be a faithful husband and father of four, time seems to be the hardest gift to give. Time dedicated to relating to my wife and children. When I come home, too often I don’t have the energy to be truly there.

I have been challenged lately by the movie “Courageous.” In the movie the main character states that he doesn’t want to be just a “good enough” father. He wants to be more. Often we as men can move courageously in our workplaces and sports, but when it comes to family we seem to struggle. Relationships are hard. They are not easy to understand or to feel triumphant in. They take a lot of energy. Men, we need to be more purposeful with our relationships.

On Jan. 13 and 14 Pleasant View Mennonite Church will have a free showing of the movie “Courageous.” If you haven’t been challenged by this movie yet I invite you to see it.

Dennis Hostetler

Sugarcreek