I was reflecting the other day (which is something I seem to do a lot lately) on my life and the way God has used me to impact my two sons. Cheryl and I have been “intentional” parents. I know all parents are intentional in what they do, but what I mean is that we parented with an intentional purpose; to mold young men who passionately love and serve God with their lives.
As I think about the men they are becoming, by God’s grace, that goal is being accomplished. The thought occurred to me, however, that as much as I’ve tried to teach them directly and indirectly; by word or by modeling, much of life is learned by experience. With that thought, I realized there are life principles I know not because someone taught me, but because I lived them.
These are things I want my boys to know, but I don’t think I ever taught them:
- There are some things in life you will never understand and I can’t explain them to you.
- The lust for a woman can destroy your life. Be careful.
- You need other men in your life. I can only take you so far. Always surround yourself with men you aspire to be like and let them invest in you.
- You need to invest in other men; especially those younger than you.
- Be willing to risk everything to follow God’s call on your life now; while you are young. (Then never get too old for this principle.)
- Always be a dreamer. It keeps you young; plus your dreams for your life will never be bigger than God’s vision for your life.
- The greatest things in life money can’t buy.
I may think of more, but these are on my heart today.
What do you wish you could teach your children?
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Loved this! I just copy/pasted this and printed it out for my son, who will graduate high school this year. Great message for this time in his life. Thanks!
Amen
Twitter: connectboise
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What a great article about dads and sons!
Thanks Ryan
Thanks so much. You can use it all you want!
I loved this post! Every point is so true! I would only comment that you probably learned as from you sons as they learned from you. I think I probably learned more from fathering my 3 sons and a daughter that they learned from me. I would love to post your blog on mine, (www.messengersindenim.org). It needs lots of exposure. Please let me know if I can use it. I will of course credit you.
Excellent, Ron. Thanks.
Thanks!
I didn't get to learn these things in life…but time ain't too late..Ty
Never too late!!! Thanks
Awesome Ron. I hope the boys that will eventually marry my daughters live this kind of life.
That's a great prayer Rocco.
My dad often told us that your actions speak louder than words. He was referring to the role as a parent. But I have realized that it is true for every aspect of life. In the end we can’t remember everything our parents said, but we do remember who they are… people of tender hearts, of integrity, purpose, vision, strong work ethic, morals, believers. This are the things we try to emulate. I am especially thankful for my dad this father’s day… He will be 80 this year.
.-= Lorraine Bailey´s last blog ..back2healthnat: @AndyAndrews The Noticer… Brilliantly done! TY for sharing about your days under the bridge… a must read for all… hope & direction! =-.
Hey Dude! Fantastic post. Having 2 boys of my own this was awesome. I agree. Thanks for sharing. I am passing this along.
picturing you tell your boys those things makes tears swell up in my eyes. thank you for being a man that not only seeks to impact his sons, but takes the time to impact other’s sons. our coffee conversation, well your coffee and my diet coke conversation, was a blessing. thank you.
i love the pic with the post, that is three handsome fellas! i hope that duke & I can be half as wonderful parents as you & cheryl. i am terrified and humbled that God has given us the opportunity to raise this beautiful baby, and we really want to do it right. keep the parenting posts coming, i am hanging on every word…
I loved this post. We have two boys and a girl, all now in their 30s. I wish I had taught them more to be passionate about the Lord, above all else. I know they know this but I just wish I had emphasized it more. Thanks for the introspective post! Blessings to you…Lynn