Been thinking about my oldest son lately. I have noticed lately that he seems to be struggling some with his emotions. Up until now, he has loved school. This year, he often says he does not want to go. I think that there are probably a number of factors, but it got me thinking about my relationship with him. Maybe I need to be giving him more one on one attention. What kind of father am I to him (and the other kids as well). Am I his hero? If so, am I living up to that? Am I worthy of that? What have I taught him thus far?
I was recently reading some posts from “The Art of Manliness” and came across a great post called “Teaching Your Son to be a Man” and read the following:
"If I were to stare in my son’s eyes, and explain what it is that makes a man, I would not breath a word about how much that man might bench, or in which athletics he may excel. My inventory would be different; a list our grandfathers would surely approve.
I would tell my son that he must never walk away from what he knows is right, and though it may be hard to stand tall against our enemies, it is even harder to reach for the sky opposite our friends. I would tell my son that he must do both, always and without fail. A man who goes along with that which he knows is wrong, whether it is to be a part of something or simply because it is easier, will see less than he wishes when looking in the mirror." (Read more: http://artofmanliness.com/2008/12/02/teaching-my-son-to-be-a-man/#ixzz1AnjUHMWC)
I was recently reading some posts from “The Art of Manliness” and came across a great post called “Teaching Your Son to be a Man” and read the following:
"If I were to stare in my son’s eyes, and explain what it is that makes a man, I would not breath a word about how much that man might bench, or in which athletics he may excel. My inventory would be different; a list our grandfathers would surely approve.
I would tell my son that he must never walk away from what he knows is right, and though it may be hard to stand tall against our enemies, it is even harder to reach for the sky opposite our friends. I would tell my son that he must do both, always and without fail. A man who goes along with that which he knows is wrong, whether it is to be a part of something or simply because it is easier, will see less than he wishes when looking in the mirror." (Read more: http://artofmanliness.com/2008/12/02/teaching-my-son-to-be-a-man/#ixzz1AnjUHMWC)
Powerful! Do I follow this in my own life? All I can say is that I try.
I am amazed that our Father in Heaven has placed so much trust in us to raise these children. What an awesome blessing and responsibility. I hope that I can raise my kids to live righteously and that they will always have an understanding, appreciation, and desire to follow the Gospel of Jesus Christ. That I can raise both my boys to be worthy priesthood holders and become true men (and better men) than I. I hope when my children look into the mirror that they do see what I see in them.
Love the post. Thanks for the thoughtful contribution. I love the questions you ask. It shows you care about being the best dad you can be. For what it is worth, you are one heck of an example to me. MF
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