As I stepped into the batter’s box at our softball game on Monday, the umpire asked me, “So, who is Steve Potter?” It was a reasonable question, considering our team name is “The Steve Potters” and our team shirt boasts a big picture of his face on the front. I responded by pointing over to Dad, who was sitting right behind the backstop in his usual place with scorebook in hand.
“Oh, I thought he was some famous guy or something,” the umpire said.
“Nope, not famous,” I said. “He’s just the dad of three of our players.”
After reflecting on the interaction with the ump, I came to realize that my dad is famous. He is famous among our group of friends for always being present. Dad is our #1 fan, our most loyal supporter. Many dads are not able to attend all their kids’ games. Being a parent myself, I can understand that. Sometimes work or the demands of life get in the way. However, despite being the hardest working man I know, I don’t remember my dad ever missing one of his son’s games or activities. He was always present. And he still is present for every game, even though his kids are now grown men playing meaningless D League Softball games in 90 degree heat.
There is no doubt my dad is famous for his consistent presence, loyalty and work ethic. And he is also famous for his encouragement.
Anyone who has run a large road race in Kansas City or a track meet at Shawnee Mission South High School knows my dad. They don’t all know his name, but they do all know him by his face and by his enthusiastically loud cheering. Participants at road races have sworn he was hired by a running company as a way to encourage them. Other runners are convinced my dad is actually omnipresent because they see him cheering at every turn.
My dad's famous presence, loyalty, work ethic, and encouraging nature are not a coincidence. They are a result of Dad's unwavering commitment to Christ. His identity is firmly established in the identity of Christ.
I have never seen my dad get embarrassed. He has never met a stranger. He is always grinning. He has led the same Sunday school class for thirty years. He is willing to serve others at a moment's notice. These are a few examples of my dad's identity being rooted in Christ.
Happy Father's Day, Dad! You are famous in my book! Love you!