"You don't raise heroes, you raise sons. And if you treat them like sons, they'll turn out to be heroes, even if it's just in your own eyes." - Walter Schirra
Ever notice that "smart," "influential," "successful," and "comfortable" didn't make the fruit of the Spirit? Yet, if you look at where I spent my words, time, and treasure, you would think this is precisely what I hope for in my children.
I think Tiger Woods' father ruined it for us all. Watching him train up his 3-year-old prodigy, we all wanted to be Earl Woods. Think about this, the chances of your child:
Becoming a pro-athlete: .02%
Becoming a millionaire: .9%
Attending an Ivy League school: 0.4%
Standing before a holy God: 100%
What are your priorities? Your words, time, and treasure reflect what you truly value.
Men, your kids don't need more personal trainers and AAU coaches. They don't need years of college credit and AP courses. They don't need a grand inheritance or a trust fund. And they don't need life-altering, inspirational youth group events.
They need a dad who is physically, emotionally, and spiritually present.
A dad who plays with them.
A dad who prays with them.
A dad who plows—day in and day out—so that the fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control can grow sweet and large.
Your hand is on the plow. What are you growing?