I was on a Zoom call recently with people from a large organization. A gentleman new to the group – a father of two young children – was introducing himself. He shared some personal interests. I copied and pasted his list here, keeping the order:

• World traveling / Cuisine / Culture
• Soccer / American Football and Formula 1
• RF Cars / Planes
• Motorcycles
• Cooking / Outdoor grilling
• Family

Now, I’m not judging this guy. But, I do find the number of interests listed above family intriguing. And sure, he could’ve just been playing to the crowd (international business people); or, maybe family is at the bottom because it’s so foundational; or, maybe he does all these things with his family. Perhaps.

Yet, it reminded me that we can all be tempted to get our priorities outta whack. I may want to impress my colleagues and be the fun guy to talk to at dinner parties. Yet, if we’re not careful as dads, we can become more enamored with various pursuits than with engaging our own families and children. I don’t want to be conformed to this world’s pattern (Rom 12:2) of self-promotion and success at all costs.

How to forgive your father and grow closer to God: Dads have the remarkable ability to leave behind the kind of scars that never fade. If we can’t find a way to let go of past wounds and forgive the man who put them there, we’ll never heal. Start by praying for your dad. It’s the fastest route to forgiveness.

The godly dad glorifies God in all he does: Glory can be one of our biggest downfalls when we direct it away from God. It often brings out the opposite of an “attitude of gratitude.” We can’t let our successes (financial, career, life accomplishments) convince us that we did it all on our own. Resisting the temptation to lay claim to personal triumphs helps bring glory to God’s grace, not ourselves. “But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth.” (Deuteronomy 8:18).

“The key is not to prioritize what’s on your schedule, but to schedule your priorities.” – Stephen Covey

“Living in the light of eternity changes your priorities.” – Rick Warren

“I’d like to be remembered as one who kept my priorities in the right order.” – S. Truett Cathy

“Having children really changes your priorities.” – Pretty Much Every Parent Ever

Make the list. If I were to ask you to list your “interests,” what would your list look like? Maybe you’re into underwater basket weaving or cryptocurrency trading. Whatever it is, consider your current list and its order. Do you like the order? Does the order reflect your values? How has your list changed in the last year or decade? It’s a worthy exercise to help us dads keep the main thing the main thing.

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.