Tag: kids

Still a Child

"Growing younger is the best way to find and keep happiness."

    -Author Unknown

As I sat next to my mom at a church service this past Sunday, I realized that I'm still a child. I found that boy whispering in my ear. I'm thankful I've stayed open to the wonder that is life.

In many ways I'm only an adult now by the things I know to be vital to the pursuit of destiny. Otherwise, I have no use for all of the other garbage adults often accumulate. 

I like the idea of growing younger, it suits me.

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Our Children

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I've been thinking a lot about our children lately, specifically my own. I've spent much time wondering what the world will look like when they're (Lord willing) adults and how I can help prepare them.

The following are some thoughts:

  1. I need to pour into them wisdom about handling money and power. Looking around me it's clear this is not taught in the university or the business arena. I think we know what happens when people don't know how to handle these beasts.
  2. I can't depend on the current education system to provide significant support. I often think our education system is teaching in a form appropriate for 30 years ago.
  3. Our government (America in this case) is content to make it difficult (massive debt)for my children to prosper economically. I don't want my government to help my children with their careers, but I do want them to manage with excellence the resources given and to get out of the way.
  4. I need to, on an exhausting and repetitive basis, remind them that they are unique and should live life accordingly.
  5. I need to teach them the value of loving God and loving other people (regardless of who they may be).
  6. I need to model everything I teach every day, every day.
  7. I need to encourage them to be risk-takers.

A Father’s Lesson

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.