I have avoided begining this blog for quite a while. Not that I have nothing to say, but in fact so much to say. So I will start with the basics and expand from there. If anybody were to want to know how I think about my responsibilities as a husband and father it starts here.
1. Obey. In our house we have a saying, "There are only three things you can control: your effort, your attitude and your obedience. Often we read about leadership. For me being a good husband and father begins with followership. A man left to his own defenses is on a journey destined for ruin. So for me I dedicate myself to following. I follow Jesus Christ. It is in the teachings and the life of Jesus Christ I find the wisdom I need to make good decisions and the strength I need to endure.
2. Adore. To be a good husband, and a father of girls, you need to put your mind and your mouth and your back to the adoration of your girls. I find my wife to be intelligent and consequently so are our daughters. More often that not they do not need my advice or my coaching, but my understanding and my tenderness. They need to know that I know. I know who they are to the core of their being and I love them. Not just love but adore. Love them in sappy embarassing Prince Charming sort of way. Open doors, pay the bills, take care of the house, anticipate needs, yell at boys, squeeze, hug and tickle.
3. Slay dragons. Does your wife and daughter know you can and you will slay their dragons? I have not always succeeded in this area. I have taken a laise faire attitude toward my wife and dauters affairs before. It results in a distrust that when the chips are down Dad will come through for them. Not anymore. My girls know that if something reaches my attention it will be addressed fully and with great predjudice. Increasing your implied threat has many good side effects among them a great confidence that their dad will lay down his life to protect their spirit and soul.
How 'bout you? What are at the core principles of your manhood?
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