A little boy once said that Father’s Day is like Mother’s Day, except you don’t spend as much on the gift. This Father’s Day, many of us are reminded of two roads: memory lane and the road forward. We reflect on the lessons learned, lessons taught or maybe the opportunities missed, while never losing focus on the opportunity to learn, teach or share.
Our role as a Father is much more than taking out the trash or teaching our children to walk, how to tie their shoes or a neck tie and even to drive. Although those lessons are very important, we are given a powerful and unique role: to transform the lives of our children. Doing so will reach and impact generations to come.
In the Proverbs it states that our children are to hear the instruction of their Father, giving attention to the wisdom and commandments of dear ole Dad. On this Father’s Day:
1. Pass Down Your Knowledge
Share your wisdom with your children, even though it may not completely resonate with them today. I admit, the older I get I realize even more how wise my Father was.
Wisdom isn’t simply intelligence or knowledge or even understanding. Wisdom is the ability to use these things, act in a way that common sense prevails and choices are productive and beneficial.
Wisdom cannot be replaced by customs. The wisdom you share will empower your children, and will give them judiciousness and understanding to recognize the right course of action, with the will and courage to follow it.
2. Teach Them the Importance of Their Name
The wise man Solomon said that a “good name is better than precious perfume.” Make sure your name is synonymous with integrity, kindness and truth.
The character of your reputation is more valuable than the lasting of a perfume scent, or by today’s vernacular, “trying to win by any means or tactics.” Remind your children that who they are is more salient than what they achieve or what they acquire.
3. Teach Them to Love Life and Humanity
To the question, “Are we keepers of our brother?” the answer is, “Yes.” Care about more than yourself. Be a hand to the hurting and strength to those who are weak and vulnerable.
Never lose the overriding presence of kindness this will help you avoid indifference and selfishness. Expanding this keeping of our brother demands a level of justice, fairness and love without condition.
4. Teach Them to Give
I learned this lesson from the most wonderful man I knew, my own father. His life was a testament of giving and sacrifice. Teach your children to be givers to those things and places that matter. Your heart and treasure will reside in the same location.
Show them by example and articulate the incredible joy that derives from sharing those things you completely control: your time and treasure. Find your passion and invest you.
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