Predictable Like Fish

Have you ever read a ‘how to’ article or book about fishing? I subscribe to Field and Stream magazine, so I have plenty of fishing articles to read. During the spring and summer, the articles inform me of different species of fish and what their behaviors are during that particular season. The theory being, if I can predict their behavior I’ll know where to find them, which in turn allows me to catch them (hopefully the big ones.) The latest article about catching big Bass in the summertime grabbed my attention. When I finished the how to’s and micro fishing lessons on paper, I thought to myself, “WOW fish are so predictable.” It’s true, fish are very predictable.

When it comes to predictable creatures, fish are among the top in nature; among the top ten in my very unscientific observations. This got me thinking about dads and where they fall into the predictability measurement? In general, I would rank dads around seven or eight out of ten when it comes to predicability. If you are a dad, think about it, do you have the same routine when you get home from work? Do you participate in the same weekend activities every weekend? If you are honest, I’m sure there is at least one area in your life that is predictable to those around you. Having routine is not necessarily bad, however, most of the time we engage in routines for selfish reasons. We have routines because they are comfortable for us!

In my opinion and experience with my own kids, our lives should be anything but predictable. I have found that when I slip into routines and patterns, my kids begin to predict my behaviors in a negative way. It usually sounds something like this, “No, Dad won’t want to do that because he’s too busy doing...” We tend to have our own interests that occupy our minds so much that we can’t (or won’t) take a spontaneous moment with our kids. In the daily process of becoming a better father, I have had to force myself out of routines and predictable patterns in my life. When I do, I see the joy and surprise on my kids faces. I know kids love to be surprised by a dad who is willing to break routine just for them.

Predictability in fish can help you catch the big one; predictability in relationship with your kids can kill the relationship. Don’t be a predictable, dumb fish. Break out of your routines. Stop being predictable to your kids. Surprise them! Have fun with them today for no reason other than to show them you love them.