My wife and I were talking about family values a couple of days ago. Don’t worry, this post has zero to do with politics. We were discussing what’s most important to us and how it impacts the rearing of our kids.
The conversation was brought on by the reality of how busy many families are today. Whether its kids in multiple sports, work, extended family obligations or general responsibilities. Many people are overwhelmed, and not so sure their direction is sound.
As we spoke, it dawned on me how important my time is to my kids. Time to look them in the eyes, time to smile at the miracle they are, and time to lead. As tough as it is to live it out, my family is my second most important value. Consequently, I have said no to many good things in oder to say yes to the best things.
The title of this post is very personal and worth sharing because the subject matter was double confirmed when I read this post (The Brand in the Sand) from Anna Farmery. Anna has a wonderful blog that many of you may frequent titled The Engaging Brand.
Anna’s relationship with her father has inspired me before, but this story touched me in a way that can only be defined as profound. You’ll understand after reading her post. But I hope one day my son and daughter will look back and see me in the same brush strokes that Anna paints of her father.
Anna,
An old mentor wants told me that life is like Hebrew, you must read it backwards to understand it.
Glad to be on this journey, called life, with you.
JT, thanks for the comments. Glad you’re redeeming the time with your boys.
Eric,
Thanks for your continued inspiration and sanity checks.
I’m reading your blog just before closing down for the day to take my boys to dinner some where so the 3 of us can just spend some time together.
Thanks
Eric I am glad the story inspired you, you are right that I had a very special relationship with Dad – The Engaging Brand podcast is a way of keeping his legacy of giving back to the business world alive.
The weird thing is, I never realised at the time he was teaching me….it was only after his death that I realised why I was the leader, I was…..purely down to those lessons. The funny thing is, when I was younger I thought he was just a mad person telling stories…and here I am telling them again 🙂
I suppose as ever, hindsight is a wonderful thing!