Deepest Desire and Greatest Challenge
Spent part of Father's Day re-evaluating how I'm doing as a dad. By the way, I consistently ask my kids that question: how am I doing as a dad? Healthy question to ask your kids!
Thought I'd update on my year-long discipleship of Parker. We signed a discipleship covenant on his last birthday. He committed to three challenges--intellectual, spiritual, and physical. And we have weekly FSMs--Father/Son Meetings. We've certainly had our ups and downs. But I'm thinking we'll hit a little stride during the summer.
We've read half a dozen books so we're halfway there on the intellectual challenge. Currently going through In a Pit With a Lion on a Snowy Day. The next two books on the docket are Do Hard Things and The Purpose-Driven Life. I feel like both those books are a little beyond his age, but I think they're great reads.
The physical challenge is running a 10K. But we might upgrade to a sprint triathlon. And the spiritual challenge is reading through the New Testament; coming up with first list of life goals; and creating a coat of arms that reflects our core values.
Let me come out and say it: the deepest desire and greatest challenge of my heart is to be a great dad. I'm so far from perfect. But I'm determined to disciple my kids!
Thought I'd update on my year-long discipleship of Parker. We signed a discipleship covenant on his last birthday. He committed to three challenges--intellectual, spiritual, and physical. And we have weekly FSMs--Father/Son Meetings. We've certainly had our ups and downs. But I'm thinking we'll hit a little stride during the summer.
We've read half a dozen books so we're halfway there on the intellectual challenge. Currently going through In a Pit With a Lion on a Snowy Day. The next two books on the docket are Do Hard Things and The Purpose-Driven Life. I feel like both those books are a little beyond his age, but I think they're great reads.
The physical challenge is running a 10K. But we might upgrade to a sprint triathlon. And the spiritual challenge is reading through the New Testament; coming up with first list of life goals; and creating a coat of arms that reflects our core values.
Let me come out and say it: the deepest desire and greatest challenge of my heart is to be a great dad. I'm so far from perfect. But I'm determined to disciple my kids!
3 Comments:
Mark that is awesome what you're doing with your son. Being a Pastor I do what I can to love and encourage my Son And Daughter to love the lord. I must admit though I have not taken such a direct position as what your doing. Thanks for the great Idea. I will implement it in my relationship with my children.
Wayne Boyd
Mark, I teach my 2 year old daughter little sayings and then repeat them constantly (mostly at night before bed but also during the day). Here's a couple examples: Allyson, Who do we pray to? (she responds "Jesus"). Who are you going to marry someday? (she responds "a Christian"). What's a Christian? (she reponds "someone who loves Jesus") What do we do all the time no matter what? (she responds "tell the truth") Allyson, what do daddy's do? (she responds: they protect, provide and guide) What do mommies do? (she responds "love and nurture) I say "Leaders..." and she says "..are readers!" etc. Through out the day I look for opportunities to enforce these sayings. For example, when she wants something to eat I say "Daddy's provide" or if she wants to read I say "leaders are readers", etc. It's a fun way to learn. I really respect what you're doing with your son and fully intend to disciple my kids too. Thanks for prioritizing family and inspiring others to do so as well.
Mark - not sure if you're familiar with Brian Molitor and Malachi Global Foundation - Brian has written several books around these subjects that you might dig: Boy's Passage Father's Journey - - and a Girl's Passage book as well.
I sometimes check how I'm doing by asking my children not so much 'what' daddy does, but 'why' daddy does what he does. If they understand the real purpose and can remind me, wow, now that's a win-win.
MT
Post a Comment
<< Home