Intentional Expectations

Intentional Expectations

A dad’s impact is profound and truly hard to measure. Coach John Wooden, in his book Wooden, states, “Being a role model is the most powerful form of educating. . . . Too often fathers neglect it because they get so caught up in making a living they forget to make a life.”^a I hope this can’t be said of me or of you.

Steve Young’s dad understood the importance of being a good role model. The Hall of Fame quarterback says of his father, “My dad, like any coach, has always stressed the fundamentals. He taught me responsibility, accountability, and the importance of hard work. As a teenager, when I wanted to start borrowing the car, my dad agreed under the condition I get a job so I could afford to put gas in it. It is lessons like these that have stuck with me over time.”^b

Proverbs 3:1-2 states, “My child, never forget the things I have taught you. Store my commands in your heart. If you do this, you will live many years, and your life will be satisfying.” Mentoring, modeling, and intentional training are the responsibilities of a father. To do them, we must be present in our children’s lives.

What are you intentionally pouring into your children? What principles, values, and words do you come back to that make it clear what high expectations you have? Young continues, “Though my father was tough, he was always in my corner, teaching me the value of hard work.”^c

Remember, what we emphasize gets realized. Be intentional about the time you spend with your children, and encourage them to rise to their potential.

My child, never forget the things I have taught you. Store my commands in your heart. If you do this, you will live many years, and your life will be satisfying.

Proverbs 3:1-2