50 years old. Husband, father, follower of Christ, and a long career as a finance exec.
Some of it I've gotten right. Some I've gotten badly wrong. This is where I work through the rest out loud: faith, marriage, kids, and what the next 20 years are for.
No answers promised.
I can’t think of one instance in the Bible where God calls on men to do something comfortable and easy.
It’s always hard, challenging, and through a path of fierce resistance. We need to be prepared and willing to do hard things to find our calling.
Words dads should say to their kids, but especially to their teenage boys and young men:
“I am proud of you.”
Not just proud of accomplishments, but proud of the person you are becoming.
If your teenager or adult children ask you to do something with them like attend an event, concert, or social gathering, do it.
That means they actually enjoy your company and these opportunities won’t last forever.
Most men carrying real responsibility have never honestly asked this:
Are the people around me better off because of my presence,
or have they simply learned to adapt to what I don't cover?
Be cautious on what you’re asking others to carry.
I think it’s more important than ever for the older generation of men to seek out advice and insight from the younger generation.
Both groups have something powerful to offer the other.
Children study their fathers.
Continuously and unconsciously, but it’s happening.
They’re building a model of what a man is and does from the version they see most frequently and under the most ordinary conditions.
@BlondB00 Yes, very true. Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.” – Colossians 3:23.
The opening statement “whatever you do” leaves no neutral ground.
Why do the most capable men end up the most consumed?
Reliability attracts volume. The more dependable you are, the more the system routes through you. Until something gives.
@RGIII Don��t quit! The early phases of growth are quiet. You are doing work that has not yet changed how you are perceived and that gap is uncomfortable for most, especially men who are used to being recognized.
Stay patient and get comfortable with invisibility.
@Biblicalman My wife and I talk about this regularly as it closely mirrors our life situation. Me, a busy career and running a business. Four kids, all homeschooled by her over the course of 20 years.
Is it hard? Yes, it’s brutal. Would we change anything and do it differently? No, never.
@TimTebow Yes. I agree with this completely. Even during the most difficult seasons of life, we are being formed into something useful and meaningful.
In fact, it’s usually those difficult times that shape us into who we are supposed to be. I’ve experienced this firsthand many times.
@howertonjosh It really is significant and I hope it’s the start of something positive for our country.
We have some structural issues that need to be corrected quickly. Most importantly, housing affordability, as this drives family creation which is the bedrock of a strong, moral society.
@oliverburdick Agreed. Live your life knowing you are in a spiritual battle for your own life, your well-being, your family, and your future.
Thankfully, we know the ending.
@howertonjosh@conservmillen Listened to the full episode this morning. Awesome.
As noted, strong emotion tends to override logic and that’s especially true when the media stirs every issue into a divisive frenzy.
Must watch and share with those in need of clarity.