He's Thirteen!

By the time you read this, my oldest son would have turned 13 years old.  Thirteen! I HAVE A TEENAGER! Somebody ring the alarm!!!!  My mouth is open in amazement. I remember the night before, rushing out the house, breaking every traffic law racing to get to the hospital.  He was born at exactly 12 noon.  And now...he's thirteen. Reflecting for a moment...

I have been seriously thinking about what to say to him, what prolific speech to give.  He's very intelligent with lots of success so far.  He is a leader, very vocal and loves to be around his friends.  He's athletic and loves to play and watch sports.  So, what can I tell him as a dad to inspire him and challenge his life and character?  There was one thought that God put on my mind...

Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates. When the LORD your God brings you into the land he swore to your fathers...be careful that you do not forget the LORD... Fear the LORD your God, serve him only and take your oaths in his name. Do not follow other gods, the gods of the peoples around you; for the LORD your God, who is among you, is a jealous God and his anger will burn against you, and he will destroy you from the face of the land. Be sure to keep the commands of the LORD your God and the stipulations and decrees he has given you. Do what is right and good in the LORD’s sight, so that it may go well with you and you may go in and take over the good land the LORD promised on oath to your ancestors, thrusting out all your enemies before you, as the LORD said. -- Deuteronomy 6:4-19 NIV

I don't believe I can give him any better advice than this.  In essence, this would encompass everything I would need to cover -- his challenging academics, his thriving social life, girls, and his faith.  I myself am nervous and excited for what this year will bring.  I know it will be fantastic.  Yet, I truly believe that if he follows this simple passage, and if I as his dad consistently refresh him of this passage, he will have a successful year and teenage journey.

What advice do you and would you give as your child enters into new phase in life?  I'm back, but I still have No Off Season...

Who's Ya Boy?

Dads,

I cannot begin to tell you how important it is to have real relationships.  It's great to have 'my boy' or hangout buddies, but there is no replacement for having someone that you can confide in, completely trust, and generally love.  Someone you feel safe leaving your most precious possessions with- your heart, your family, your emotions.

This is usually not the case with most men, at least with me.  I was and still am very much an introvert.  But I know that I need my friends.  And guess what, I know my friends need me. 



Picture taken from article in Art of Manliness



I know I have written about this already, but I feel this needs to be a reminder and a spur into our hearts, even mine as I write this.  Whether you want to believe it or not, you cannot do this life on your own.  You cannot raise your children on your own.  You cannot be the best husband on your own laurels; you cannot be a successful employee or employer without a mentor.  YOU CAN'T!

Challenge -- take a moment, think, and name three of your closest friends.  Let me be clear.  These friends know you and can account for you.  They know the good and bad of your heart, your innermost feelings, and can see through you even when you can't.  There is a story in the Bible about Jonathan and David, two men who shared one of the most ridiculously fascinating friendships known to man.  What an example, one I still strive to attain.  So back to my challenge:  can you name three REAL friends? Two? How about one? If no one comes to mind, I challenge you to chase after that friendship.  Yes, chase! No man is an island.  Besides, who will rescue you and know you need help when that incredible storm comes?

Dads, men, I have NOS and I hope you don't either.

Get In There!

Image by © Simon Jarratt/Corbis

My boys are growing up!  They are starting school again and they are more than elated.  They are putting on the final touches of gathering all of their school materials.  We are putting them (or at least trying) in the bed a little earlier to get them accustomed to the schedule.  Homerooms have been assigned and ALL 7, 263 school events have been planned. I've only put in about 3 in my calendar; I've got some work to do, huh?  Back to school night(s), PTA's, play dates and hangouts, meetings, etc.  It could be overwhelming if you think too hard.  Let's not forget that one is starting middle school -- that's a whole other blog.

Mothers are usually involved in their child's life, especially when it comes to their education.  I often times see  fathers very much in tuned with their work and careers.  That is extremely admirable and necessary.  It is important for our children to see us working and providing for our families.  The question I pose to us is this: How often should you (and can you) break from work to involve yourself in your child's events? Here's a better question:  How much more secure do you believe your child would be if they saw dad walk in on one of their events?  

I won't be able to make every event--I can't.  But I am going to ask for some time off in order to see my boys learn and grow. 

How 'bout it dads? Thoughts? I have NOS...