Many of us dads think like day traders on Wall Street. We worry about every single movement of the stock (our behavior) minute-by-minute. We’re a “good dad” at 5pm (dinner prayers), then a bad dad at 6:30 (room clean-up), then a good one again at 8pm (“Now I lay me down to sleep…”). We believe that at any given moment we’re either destroying or developing our kids’ faith, our marriage and our legacy. And, in one sense, that’s true. Moments matter. We can’t be raging tyrants on Tuesday and then act like everything’s peachy on Wednesday. However, what matters over time, over the long haul, is the trend-line of our fatherhood. To keep the stock metaphor rolling, $1,000 US Dollars of Apple stock bought in 1990 would be worth somewhere around $5 Million today. But, along that ride, there have been lotta momentary ups and downs. The overall trend however has been extremely positive. Up and to the right, as they say. Dad, while keeping your eye on those daily moves, rest in the fact that if your overall father trend is a life that is focused on Christ, you’ll like where you end up. Choose consistency over time, not just momentary highs. “…let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith…” (Hebrews 12:1-2)

10 Mother’s Day gift ideas your wife will love: Mother’s Day gifts can feel like a lot of pressure at times, but it doesn’t have to be. Flowers. This is a must. Buy her flowers. If you need more ideas to accompany her flowers, we’ve provided a list to get you started.

The godly dad proclaims God’s Word regularly: An essential part of our mission as dads is to anchor our families in the Word of God. Whether it’s a routine devotional or chat at the dinner table, every moment in God’s Word matters. Even weaving Biblical perspective into age-appropriate current events – sports, news, politics, entertainment, etc. can work wonders. Take something from the cultural moment, and tie it back to Scripture. “Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.” – Ephesians 6:4.

“Children are unpredictable. You never know what inconsistency they’re going to catch you in next.” – Franklin P. Jones

“Our character is basically a composite of our habits. Because they are consistent, often unconcious patterns, they constantly, daily, express our character.” – Stephen Covey

“We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.” – Aristotle

“I accumulated small but consistent habits that ultimately led to results that were unimaginable when I started.” – James Clear

Take stock. Unfortunately, great stocks like Apple are obvious in hindsight. Looking back over their stock chart, you might say, “Duh, obviously that would’ve been a good investment.” So, consider doing that this week. Look backward over your fatherhood (or husband, or worker…) journey and see where the ups and downs have occurred. Then, look at the overall trend-line. Do you like where it’s headed? If not, why not? Learn from the past trend and make the necessary adjustments going forward.

Kent Evans
Author of The Manhood Journey, co-founder of Manhood Journey and Father On Purpose.

P.S. Was this Mountain Monday helpful? Tell me if you love it, hate it, or if there’s something you’d like in the next one.

Forward this to a dad you know who needs some encouragement.