This I Believe

As I held my first-born child, I came to a realization, to a belief. For the first time in my life, I realized that I had an obligation to another human being. Before holding my baby girl in my hands, I was told I had obligations. I was told I had obligations from my school, my parents, and my drill sergeant. From my school, I was told to learn silently and do my homework. From my parents, I was told I had to tell the truth and to work hard. From my drill sergeant, I was told to do whatever he said or else. I was told I had obligations, but if I did, I never felt the weight of such obligatations. If I fulfilled them I did so to avoid being in trouble, grounded, or hassled. But I never experienced the true weight of my obligations a a human being until I held my daughter.

While holding my baby girl as my wife slept, I realized that someone else is counting on me. Someone needed me. Looking down at that beautiful face, I had to make a decision. I could run away from my responsibilities completely. I could live selfishly and basicly be a part time dad. She was so powerless to stop me from that decision. But as I held her, as I felt a surge of love, pride, and gratitude, I realized that I wanted to be be the best father, husband, and man I could be. Here in my arms is a human being who needs me and holding her I realized I wanted to fulfill my obligations out of love for her. Holding her, I came to believe I had other obligations too.

I believe I have an obligation to my wife to be the best husband and friend she has. I believe I have an obligation to my students in class to lead them to unalienable truths and to develop their intellect. I believe I have an obligation to this country to help it live up to its ideals. I believe I have an obligation to my neighbors to cut the lawn even if I don’t feel like it. And ultimatlely I believe I have an obligation to God for the the life he has given me. And one life God has given me comes in the form of my daughter, my baby girl.

With the birth of another daughter and a son, I have more obligations. Surprisingly, the weight of obligation has lessened over the years. The blessings of fulfilling them as also increased over the years.

So this I believe, I have obligations to fulfill not only to myself but to others and the more I do so the more fulfilled I will become.