INIGO: “I don’ suppose you coulda speed things up?” … “I promise I won kill you until you reach de top.”

MAN IN BLACK: “Well, that’s comforting, but I’m afraid you’ll just have to wait.”

INIGO: “I hate waiting.”

Princess Bride. Man, classic. This scene, one of my favorites. The Man in Black ascends the cliffs of insanity, only to be met by a fiery Spaniard waiting to take his life. That line: I hate waiting.

Psalm 130:5 says, “I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in his word, I put my hope.” Dads, if we’re going to become all that God wants us to be, we must learn to wait. That doesn’t mean we do nothing. It does mean we learn how to patiently wait on God to open doors, fix finances, heal hearts and restore relationships. You may think you can never learn to wait patiently on the Lord. Inconceivable!

Applying self-discipline: 6 questions dads should ask: Working on self-discipline as a dad starts with goal-setting. There are areas in our lives that we would like to improve. Pick one, just one for now, and set a goal. Make it a clear and specific target, then set a plan of attack.

Diligence sends a powerful message to our kids: Our diligence through seasons of difficulty sends a message. And not just about our priorities but about God’s character. We can never give up on our kids. We can be a support system for our families even when life appears grim and dark. Be persistent and let your kids see God in you as you support and love your family.

“I am extraordinarily patient, provided I get my own way in the end.” – Margaret Thatcher

“It is easier to find men who will volunteer to die than to find those who are willing to endure pain with patience.” – Julius Caesar

“Patience and perseverance have a magical effect before which difficulties disappear and obstacles vanish.” – John Quincy Adams

Make a list. What are you waiting on? Sometimes, it helps just to make a list. A long list. What are all the things you’re waiting on? Write them down, or text them to yourself. A job to come through; your health to improve; your prodigal child to return; your marriage to turn the corner; your microwave popcorn to be ready? Odds are, there’s something – no, many things – that you’re waiting on right now. See if you can wait patiently. And like the Psalmist, as you wait, don’t put your hope in the thing you’re waiting on! Put your hope in God’s word. While waiting, ask God to move and reveal His work in all these things.

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.