Sorry to Dissappoint You…but I Am Real

I have saved the world in the movies,
So naturally there’s folks who think I must know what to do
But just because you’ve seen me on your TV
Doesn’t mean I’m any more enlightened than you

That is the opening stanza of William Shatner’s song, “Real.”   Yes.  Captain Kirk…sings…kind of…

And can I ever relate to that stanza, not that I am a celebrity or famous – and I do a terrible Captain Kirk impression. But in the past couple of years, through this blog, there have been a number of people who have come to me for advice about serious things, and others who ask me to take sides on important issues, or write about controversial topics…and some people have done their best to persuade me to switch to their side and promote their view of some issue or topic.

After the whole vaccine/measles outbreak thing happened last year in Chilliwack, I scoffed when someone told me that I should more careful about what I write because I have a voice and people look up to me.

Wait.

People look up to me?

What?

I did not believe it.

But it appears to be true.

And it makes me a bit nervous…

I still don’t really get how it happened. When I named this blog, I intentionally chose “One Christian Dad,” instead of “Super Awesome Jesus Loving Reformed Blogger Guy,” which by the way was a real possibility…or not…to convey the message that I am simply another Christian guy among a whole whack of other Christian guys, I just happen to like reading and writing – so I started a blog.  In fact, I started this blog because I did not know how to be a good dad or husband – I did not have a good role model growing up – it was merely intended to be a place of research and accountability.  And the title of this blog is what I wanted to be…just one Christian dad.  Almost 3 years later I have grown spiritually, and I am a better husband and father than I was back then, but I am hardly the standard to which to aspire.  Just ask my wife, family or close friends.  I am still struggling along on this journey.  I still mess up often. Just last night I was a grumbling, messy, pile of poopy-faced irritability when I got home late after my English final… my wife should not have to put up with that after she had to deal with the kids all day by herself!  I can come across as unloving and blunt in my verbal responses to friends and family (I am much better at written responses!).  Forgive me.

I echo that sentiment, quoted at the beginning, from the former captain of the Starship Enterprise, with a couple minor changes of course…

I blog a lot about struggles, faith, and Christian living,
So naturally there’s folks who think I must know what to do,
Just because you’ve read me on your computer screen,
doesn’t mean I’m any more enlightened than you.

There is definitely a part of me in each post I write.  But I am not just my articles, or my little facebook posts, or the Bible verses I tweet. I am so much more. I am a sinner saved by grace working through this life in the power that raised Christ from the dead…but I still fail and have to daily turn back in repentance. Just because I write about having daily devotions, does not mean I never miss a day.  Just because I write about how to be a good dad, does not mean I don’t mess up – often.  Just because I point to the promises of God, does not mean I don’t take my eyes off of them from time to time and succumb to selfish discontent.

So I won’t be saving the world today.  I will leave that to Captain Kirk. Actually, if you must know, I am feeling a little down today. I skipped personal devotions – but there is still time. I did not sleep well.  I am struggling to maintain a positive mindset.  I am sorry to disappoint you. But Jesus won’t disappoint you.  Look to him alone for he alone is worthy of your praise and adoration.

Never thought I would be writing a blog post with William Shatner as my muse…did you?

I know you want to hear it, so here it is.