A Father’s Advice: 18 Life Lessons for my Son Before he Turns 6.
My Understanding to be a Father in Christ
I have had the blessed opportunity to have met and worked with many Fathers throughout my career. I have been able grasp from each several key lessons collectively over time on what advice I myself missed out on when growing up, or at least sense would have been ideal for me to learn at an earlier age.
Many of the Fathers I have come into contact with either had a great role model of a father or male figure early in life that were key supports for the individual, or on the opposite end, they did not have a father figure to note. The Lessons I have brought with me to date come from the men in my life who showed me the way and in which I owe my continued growth and understanding as to what it means to be a husband and father in Christ.
Please note, I do not speak from empirical evidence in this share although my thoughts are based on the culmination of understanding from the men I have met, known, and/or worked with throughout my personal life and professional career. Also, it is not to say that the men I have learned from did not receive (or learn) the lessons and advice below from another father-figure source early on either, I only share these thoughts on what I wish I had learned early in life and what I desire to impart and share with my son (age 5 at the time of this writing) as of now.
18 lessons and advice for my son before he turns 6 this year:
- Jesus Christ is our Lord and savior, all begins and ends with our Lord our God. It is right to give Him thanks and praise. Put all your faith in Jesus — he will lead the way.
- Pray to God often and always.
- Your Mother is the most precious gift the Good Lord has blessed you with here on Earth, take care of her always whether I am here nor not. She is your God-given source of strength and love on Earth.
- Family is the cornerstone of our emotional and physical well-being throughout our lives, each family member is a source of strength, and you must be a source of strength for each family member even if they do not return your kindness in the same way.
- The United States of America is the greatest Country on Earth and was founded by our God-fearing forefathers. Serve and love our Country, and protect the sanctity of our Republic whenever and wherever you are able.
- The world can be a dangerous place, be vigilant and sober-minded. Plan for the worse but live free of worry. Cast all concerns on God.
- Love comes in all shapes and designs. If you love yourself and then put others before you in life, love will flow to you and through you. Be open to love, it is always worth the risk.
- Good friends are hard to come by. But if you are good to others, true to your word, and genuine throughout life, you will draw in those around you to see value in your friendship. Thus creating opportunities to have great friends in your life that may be true to you as well.
- Always give with no expectation to receive. Our return is not of this world.
- Pursue a life full of passion and seek your dreams. Anything is possible in Christ and when you apply yourself, you are an unstoppable Child of God that can achieve anything you set your mind and heart to.
- Life is extremely short and we only have today to impact in the here and now — thus live fully and ensure you move closer to God each day through your thoughts and actions.
- Be charitable with your thoughts and actions. Give of your time to others to help improve the lives around you.
- There are 3 types of men in this world: 1) Men who take care of themselves only. 2) Men who take care of themselves and their family. 3) Men who take care of themselves, their family, and also others beyond their family. Strive for number 3 above and you will always sleep well at night.
- Protect those who are being bullied. Champion those in need.
- God uses sinners to do some of his most important work on Earth. Do not be quick to judge a man based on his past, but rather gauge where he is headed going forward.
- One of the most important things we can do in this life is to share our love for Jesus Christ with others.
- One day you will meet the woman of your dreams, love her with all your heart. If she loves you as well, know that she chooses to love you each day. Cherish her and celebrate the fact that you have been blessed with another day with her love. Love her each day like it’s the first day you met her, she is a miracle sent to you by Jesus.
- One day you may have children of your own. You will know how I feel now as your Father when you hold your child for the first time. Words cannot describe the bond that is embedded in each Father for his children. Share this feeling with anyone who needs a Father in their life while here on Earth. We are all Children of God and we are an extension of Jesus’ love to be shared with all who need Him.
Feel free to share/comment on what Fatherly advice you would add to the list. Thank you for sharing as we learn together to be better as Fathers and Sons in Christ.
For good always.
DE
