ADVICE DAD NEVER GAVE YOU

Ralph Sorter

   It seems just like yesterday that my boys were little.  I still have vivid memories of playing together on the living room floor or playing catch in the park across the street.  Nothing makes a father feel so proud as the statement, “Dad, I want to be just like you.”

   The wise father searches for what’s behind that statement and makes sure he helps them find the fulfillment of their quest.  What’s really behind the statement is the quest for manhood.  The father that’s worth his salt is the father who helps his young buck to sprout his first horns and develop the full rack.  It’s done in those teachable moments when they are watching imitating your every move.

   In those moments model for them that a man stays the course when life tempts you to take the easy way out.  Show them you, too, dream about things that will be, yet work hard to make it happen.  Guide them in making right decisions, and the importance of seeking good advice on critical ones. 

   Little boys need to see you smile when the odds are against you, yet with determination try even harder still.  Hero’s are formed in their mind when foes tell you, “You can’t,” yet they see you buckle down and say, “I will.”  Teach them to put their heart into a project, and develop the patience beyond a quick sand castle…like a weeklong task of making that perfect pine wood derby.

   But don’t forget to show them that being a man also means he is unselfish and forgiving.  There’s a tender side to manhood…both velvet and steel.  They need to hear you express love, and aren’t afraid to cry.

   If you show him you live by the Golden Rule, they, too, will treat others with respect just like Dad did and find every man is their brother.

   But most important of all, they need to see the most worn book on the table is the Bible…and the calloused wrinkles on your knees are from those times they walked in on you and found you talking to your Father…in Heaven.

A Message from HOPE’S

Marriage & Family Ministry

ADVICE DAD NEVER GAVE YOU

Ralph Sorter

   It seems just like yesterday that my boys were little.  I still have vivid memories of playing together on the living room floor or playing catch in the park across the street.  Nothing makes a father feel so proud as the statement, “Dad, I want to be just like you.”

   The wise father searches for what’s behind that statement and makes sure he helps them find the fulfillment of their quest.  What’s really behind the statement is the quest for manhood.  The father that’s worth his salt is the father who helps his young buck to sprout his first horns and develop the full rack.  It’s done in those teachable moments when they are watching imitating your every move.

   In those moments model for them that a man stays the course when life tempts you to take the easy way out.  Show them you, too, dream about things that will be, yet work hard to make it happen.  Guide them in making right decisions, and the importance of seeking good advice on critical ones. 

   Little boys need to see you smile when the odds are against you, yet with determination try even harder still.  Hero’s are formed in their mind when foes tell you, “You can’t,” yet they see you buckle down and say, “I will.”  Teach them to put their heart into a project, and develop the patience beyond a quick sand castle…like a weeklong task of making that perfect pine wood derby.

   But don’t forget to show them that being a man also means he is unselfish and forgiving.  There’s a tender side to manhood…both velvet and steel.  They need to hear you express love, and aren’t afraid to cry.

   If you show him you live by the Golden Rule, they, too, will treat others with respect just like Dad did and find every man is their brother.

   But most important of all, they need to see the most worn book on the table is the Bible…and the calloused wrinkles on your knees are from those times they walked in on you and found you talking to your Father…in Heaven.

A Message from HOPE’S

Marriage & Family Ministry

ADVICE DAD NEVER GAVE YOU

Ralph Sorter

   It seems just like yesterday that my boys were little.  I still have vivid memories of playing together on the living room floor or playing catch in the park across the street.  Nothing makes a father feel so proud as the statement, “Dad, I want to be just like you.”

   The wise father searches for what’s behind that statement and makes sure he helps them find the fulfillment of their quest.  What’s really behind the statement is the quest for manhood.  The father that’s worth his salt is the father who helps his young buck to sprout his first horns and develop the full rack.  It’s done in those teachable moments when they are watching imitating your every move.

   In those moments model for them that a man stays the course when life tempts you to take the easy way out.  Show them you, too, dream about things that will be, yet work hard to make it happen.  Guide them in making right decisions, and the importance of seeking good advice on critical ones. 

   Little boys need to see you smile when the odds are against you, yet with determination try even harder still.  Hero’s are formed in their mind when foes tell you, “You can’t,” yet they see you buckle down and say, “I will.”  Teach them to put their heart into a project, and develop the patience beyond a quick sand castle…like a weeklong task of making that perfect pine wood derby.

   But don’t forget to show them that being a man also means he is unselfish and forgiving.  There’s a tender side to manhood…both velvet and steel.  They need to hear you express love, and aren’t afraid to cry.

   If you show him you live by the Golden Rule, they, too, will treat others with respect just like Dad did and find every man is their brother.

   But most important of all, they need to see the most worn book on the table is the Bible…and the calloused wrinkles on your knees are from those times they walked in on you and found you talking to your Father…in Heaven.

A Message from HOPE’S

Marriage & Family Ministry