Sorry to pimp my sons on this blog, but it is my blog. My boys need a job this summer. Are you hiring?
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Cheryl and I were driving in Nashville today and she said, “Speed limit strictly enforced” as she read a sign on the roadside. I knew what she meant. She thought I was driving too fast. I Twittered this comment and got several comments on Twitter and Facebook from other women regarding their own tactics to subtly tell their husband they are driving too fast.
I have spent so many hours with couples or individuals who come for counseling because they say they want to save or improve their marriage only to find that what they really wanted was some justification to get out of the marriage. They were hoping I would be so convinced their marriage was beyond repair that I would encourage them to end it. I would have to admit, I have encountered some seriously damaged marriages, but I have not found one beyond repair if both people are willing to try to make the marriage work.
I was reflecting this week about how much my family has shaped the person that I am today.
People always ask me about my relationship with my boys and what I did to cultivate it. I have two amazing sons who I deeply love. I am certainly one of their biggest fans. Thankfully, I think they like me too. It is a privilege to have them continue to come to me for wisdom now that they are 20 and 17 years old.
Today I need to compliment Dr. Dobson for his example to all of us to do what he feels is right for the ministry at this stage in its life. Many times leaders, especially founders, hang on too long to the reins of power and the succession of leadership becomes much more difficult.
Cheryl and I both are in our second marriage. Most people in our church know this, because I have shared it numerous times. If you don’t, listen to the podcasts. I certainly don’t share it every week. If it bothers you for me to be a pastor there’s not much I can do about it now and I will not try to convince you. My story is my story. I can’t change it. The purpose of this post is not to defend my qualifications. I know what happened in my situation and where I stand with God. His grace has been more than sufficient in my life and I wouldn’t be who I am today apart from the experiences of my life, good and bad.
We have traveled as a family on the mission field to some of the poorest parts of the world. We have witnessed firsthand those who truly have nothing. Today, right in our own community, we were reminded how blessed we are as a family and not to take what God has allowed us to have for granted.
If I had to give one piece of advice to parents, especially dads, it would be that you live an honest life in front of your children. I have witnessed too many parents, dads especially, who try to impress their children with their skills or their strength
The line between extending freedom and controlling the actions of your child is unclear at times. I know many parents who have crossed that line too far either way, either controlling so much that the child rebels or giving so much freedom that the child runs wild. Frankly, I’m still learning. Recently I posted on my need for others to invest in me. This is one area in which I continue to need wisdom.