Most of us have heard of the idea of oral histories, and passing down traditions and family legacies. I have a feeling though, if you’re like me, that the concept is not instinctively on your mind – especially after the first three years of being a father are behind you. The responsibility of being a dad, and just keeping up, often keeps our focus on “today,” and making sure provision and protection are in place for this week.
Let’s take a nod from, perhaps one of the most iconic puppets ever – from one of the greatest movie franchises ever, Yoda. In Return of the Jedi, he tells Luke to “pass on what you have learned.” As dad this is one of the greatest parts of what we get to do.
I distinctly remember, as I was anxiously anticipating the arrival of my first child, that he was “gonna be so smart, because I will teach him everything I know (and that is quite a bit… I thought).” I was a bit more arrogant back then.
But then… came life. That child is now 19 years old, and running his own life. The good news is there are a great number of things that I can see, in him, that were intentionally “passed on.” That’s the word:
INTENTIONALITY
As dads we have to be intentional in raising our kids. If we’re not this world will steal them right out from under our noses and teach them the latest fad, or viral “truth,” and the next thing we know they will be making choices based on someone else’s standards.
Society doesn’t care about your child.
As much as they may say they do, or certain “coalitions” may have good intentions, the majority of our society is simply out for themselves and whatever can make a buck. This is far too true of virtually every app on your (their) phone!
Don’t let the media raise your kids!
Intentionally teach them to be the men/women you want them to be. You can do it, just pass on what you have learned.
…and oh, by the way, Yoda wasn’t the first to say that.
“I will open my mouth in a parable; I will utter dark sayings from of old, things that we have heard and known, that our fathers have told us. We will not hide them from their children, but tell to the coming generation the glorious deeds of the LORD, and his might, and the wonders that he has done.
He established a testimony in Jacob and appointed a law in Israel, which he commanded our father to teach to their children, that the next generation might know them, the children yet unborn, and arise and tell them to their children, so that they should set their hope in God and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments;” –Psalm 78:2-7
I’m kinda thinkin’… if God told us to it’s probably a good idea!
“WE ARE MEN OF ACTION…”
So, Dad… I challenge you to intentionally pass on what you have learned, starting today. Be intentional about raising your own kids, and teaching them what you have come to know. You have clout with them. They will believe you simply because Dad says it is so… so teach them.
You can do it! C.A.S.T. your love upon your children today, and be intentional about simply passing on what you have learned!