If I were a fisherman, I might have some great intricate analogy from the pole-fishing world about “the perfect cast,” …what is involved …how each specific motion connects to a specific idea in how we ought to seek to love our children…
…but I don’t fish. Perhaps a fisherman out there would like to weigh-in on the concept with an insightful analogy that would fit the details of pole-fishing succinctly with the following acronym…
What I do know of large scale fishing, especially back in the day, fishermen would use nets to trap the fish. They would throw (or cast) the net as wide and as far as they possibly could to get as much return on their investment (time and energy) that they could. They would haul in whatever fish were in the net and those would become nourishment, and support, for the fishermen’s family. Is this beginning to sound like how you want to love you children? Investing your time and energy to build-up and support your family.
While I may not fish, I do have a background in theater. The word “cast” in theater, or movies, has to do with which players are involved in the production. It lines out who is included, and what their role is in producing the work of art that is the play. What are the key players (actions/intentions) involved when you seek to love your children? This concept is where the acronym C.A.S.T. springs from.
But, before we get to the acronym there is one more use of this word I’d like to talk about: to cast a vision. The pieces of casting a vision have to do with the direction a leader is seeking to take a group, and inspiring them in that direction. This acronym includes these things as well. When you cast a vision for your “people” you want them to know, and be inspired by, what the destination will be. With our children it’s not so much about getting them to see what we see – though there is a time for that – what you are casting is your love. We want our children to not only feel our love, but to give it out as well.
I use the acronym C.A.S.T. to remind myself of important points-of-contact that are vital to being an intentional, and loving father. As men we often know that having a game plan, an action plan, a vision, or a mission statement is the best way to keep your activities on track with your intentions.
When you C.A.S.T. your love, think about these things:
C – Connection
A – Attention
S – Storytelling
T – Training
Over the course of the next four posts I will lay out details concerning each of these four “players” included in C.A.S.T., giving suggestions on pieces that can be apart of the picture when you “C.A.S.T. your love upon your children.”
“WE ARE MEN OF ACTION…”
Dad… I want to challenge you! Think about what this acronym would include if you were building it. What would you include under each of these points? Are you connecting with your children daily? Do you give them the attention they desire/need on a regular basis? What “stories” are you telling your children? Are you intentionally training them to be contributing adults in this world we all live in?
If you begin to think about these concepts, you’ll be surprised at how opportunities to put them into action will just show up!
You can do it! C.A.S.T. Your love upon your children today!