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Strengthening My Role As A Husband And Father Day 35 of Exodus 90: A Journey Toward Freedom and Brotherhood

Strengthening My Role As A Husband And Father

Day 35 of Exodus 90: A Journey Toward Freedom and Brotherhood

When I first committed to Exodus 90, I knew it would be a challenge—waking up early, cool showers, fasting, and cutting out distractions. But what I didn’t expect was how deeply it would impact my family dynamics, especially my relationship with my wife and three boys. While the program focuses on spiritual growth and self-discipline, it has also become a journey of transformation within the Klein Household.  .  

Before Exodus 90, I’ll admit—there were nights when I’d end the workday, and the last thing I wanted was to have to be a parent or husband.  I would be exhausted, cranky and the last thing I would want to do is execute my parental duties.  I wanted a bourbon (or two), grab my phone or hop on the treadmill and zone out.  There typically would be a lot of “canned questions or answers” about how your day was, what did you do at school, anything cool happen, but I wasn’t fully engaged in conversations or emotionally present in the way my wife and kiddos deserved. But stripping away social media, TV and the million other distractions that are part of Exodus has forced me to be present.

Now, after dinner, I’m not scrolling mindlessly. I’m talking more with Katie, talking to the boys and truly listening to what is on their minds and being intentional about quality time. As mentioned in a previous post, the absence of digital noise has allowed us to connect on a deeper level—whether it’s discussing our dreams for the future, dishing out advice or simply sharing about our day.  I even find myself quietly listening to Evan talk on and on and on and on and on about Pokémon.  

More importantly, fasting and self-denial have helped me to realize how often I let my comfort dictate my patience and moods. As of late, I have been known to pick up a household task here or there and even found myself responding to boys’ questions with patience and kindness instead of frustration.

The one place I am still struggling though is how to improve my sense of spiritual leadership in our home. Sure we pray before meals, but making prayer part of not only my, but my family's daily rhythm continues to be a challenge.  But baby steps as we continue to cultivate faith within our family.

Lent is 10 days away, and I am hoping that the 45 day runway I have had to make an impact will help to incorporate some of the disciplines from Exodus into their Lenten offerings.  While I have been trying to lead by example, I am hoping that without the distractions of technology (hint, hint), we can continue to spend more time together—going on walks, playing games, and having real conversations. 

But as I close down this week’s reflection, more than anything, Exodus 90 has reminded me that my greatest battlefield in life is at my home. I can work hard, provide for my family, and strive for success, but if I’m not loving, leading, and serving them well, then I’ve missed the point.  So while the cool showers and the fasting are tough, the real transformation I am hoping to develop is within my marriage, my fatherhood, and my home. 

Only 55 more days to go.  


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