When it comes be being a husband and father, I’ve met many guys who have many regrets. Over the years, I’ve learned a few things that have helped me stay on purpose and feel confident I’m doing what I should be doing.
Now, don’t get me wrong. I haven’t been perfect in all of these areas. But, here are seven decisions I’ve never regretted making as husband and father. I hope they will encourage you in your marriage and as you train your children.
7 decisions I’ve never regretted as a husband and father
1) Loving Christ and pointing my kids to God.
This is not just about becoming a Christian and going to church. This is about making God first in every part of your life as a husband and father. Do your kids see that God is your priority? As God is prioritized our children have a much greater chance of knowing Him.
2) My children know they are third in priority.
My children know that Christ is first, their mom is next, and they are third in priority. Now, I don’t tell them this all of the time. That could be discouraging. But, they know my value is to God and their mom first. This helps me love them even more. Though not always perfect, they have benefited greatly from seeing this lived out. Strong faith and loving marriage are the two greatest gifts you can give your children.
3) Limiting time away from home by saying no to great opportunities.
Each decision I’ve made was prompted by my love and commitment for my Lord, my wife, and my children above all else. The impact on our marriage and family has taken priority over the years. I’ve turned down coaching positions as well as coaching and playing basketball overseas and stateside because it wasn’t best for my family and children.
4) Choosing to schedule all of my life.
I don’t just put work or social events on my calendar. I put time with my wife and children on my calendar and mark them as priorities. I rarely miss life events, as there are few “emergencies” that take priority over what’s on my schedule.
5) Being the mentor, coach, and discipler.
Every dad has the opportunity to do this in some area of their children’s lives. It doesn’t matter to them if you’ve coached before or aren’t good at it. Most children will never make a living as professional athletes, but they will make a life from the things they learn from us. Coaching them is an invaluable opportunity to pass on great life lessons and instill the character of Christ.
6) Modeling what I expect from my kids.
We all leave some kind of legacy. We don’t get a choice in that. We do get to choose what that legacy will be. I’ve made my share of mistakes but I learned early on that my life needed to match up with what I say. And what I say needs to be in line with God’s Word. How you handle mistakes says as much about who you are to your children as when you get things right.
7) Saying, “I’m sorry. I was wrong. Please forgive me.”
I’ve already admitted many mistakes. One of the greatest lessons I learned is to choose humility, own my mistakes, and ask for forgiveness. This has been a blessing in my life and has positively impacted my wife and children. It’s allowed me to have a great relationship with each of them and that is a wealth far greater than earthly riches.
Question: Which one of these seven decisions do you need to work on?
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