It was an unexpected departure when Meteorologist Chris Smith stepped down from his longtime position as weatherman for a local television station. Most people who leave are younger and on an upwardly mobile course. But for a veteran like Chris, it was a decision that only made sense for his young family.
“A career in television controls your life,” Chris said. “But it’s the job that everyone signs up for that dictates everything … your hours, schedule, and flexibility.”
Then, a seed was planted when COVID hit.
“I did the weather from my bedroom, and it looked pretty good,” Chris said. “That was kind of my introduction into what was possible, the fact that you don’t have to be in a TV station to do the weather.”
Simultaneously, Chris and his son, Charlie, began to attend the faith-based Falling Creek Camp in North Carolina. This father-son experience further cemented Chris’ desire for an even closer relationship with his son.
“One of the things I learned while there really resonated with me,” Chris shared. “75% of the time with your child is gone by the age of 12, and 90% is gone by age 18. Since Charlie is 12, I had to make a definite decision about what I was going to do with our remaining time.”
A Bible verse that Chris clung to was about being a role model for his children. “He who walks in his integrity is righteous; happy are his children who follow him.” Proverbs 20:7.
However, there was an entire long-term career at risk, and fear.
“I knew in the third grade that I wanted to be a meteorologist,” Chris said. In fact, if you talk to a lot of people like me, we were weather geeks at a very young age. And even though I’m originally from Georgia, Florida State was the closest college to offer a degree in this specialty.”
After graduation, Chris built a long career as a meteorologist in Albany, Macon, and Atlanta, Georgia, to include stints with CNN, before coming to WJHG.
When COVID happened, Chris’s second child, Lilah Grace, was less than a year old, and he felt pressure to be even more involved in his children’s lives.
“I saw how, with my career, my wife had been, essentially, a ‘single mom,’ and I had not had an opportunity to watch or coach any of my son’s sports, or be with my baby girl,” Chris said.
It all got down to Chris asking himself: “What’s my WHY?”
“All I’ve ever known was weather. I don’t have any other skills, and it’s what I’m known for,” Chris shared. “There was a definite fear involved about what else I could possibly do.”
Chris had really great intentions to be a better father, but his television schedule simply didn’t allow it. He also wanted to be a better husband to his wife, even though she’d never complained. Then, as if by providence …
“I came across a group of people who were doing online weather production, all the while being home-based,” Chris explained. “They desired a work/life balance, as I did, and it all seemed to come together for me to take a leap of faith.”
About 16 people across the country have left their TV stations and taken charge of their own schedules and lifestyles.
“Agreed, I’m the GM, on-air talent, traffic coordinator, salesman, etc.,”
Chris’ family is his biggest reason why he stepped away from traditional weather reporting. He knew he was taking a chance when he made the change, but the people in this photograph were well worth the risk. Chris said. “And, right now, it’s 10-12-hour days, but AT MY HOUSE! More importantly, I see a pathway to the future to ease back on my hours, while still being present with my children.”
So where did God fit into this dramatic career change?
“As a scientist, I’ve always struggled with my faith,” Chris admitted. “I had to learn how to have faith and trust by asking questions like, How do God and Jesus co-exist?”
Not only do repeat visits to the North Carolina camp enhance Chris’ faith walk, but he and the family also attend Good News Church in Santa Rosa Beach.
“I know this whole thing came together for a reason,” Chris said. “God created the desire in me to be a more present father through the camping experience and through seeing what was possible at home during COVID. Then, Dan (Nyman) came alongside me at just the perfect time, so I knew I was not doing it alone, and we could spread the workload between the two of us.”
But at times, Chris felt like a failure. He sensed he was totally alone, until he read Romans 3:23-24: “For all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.”
“So, I dusted myself off and began again,” Chris concluded.
To tune in to Chris’ broadcasts, download the Panhandle Weather App and follow him on social media. For more info, visit panhandleweather.com.
For all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.
Romans 3:23-24