Good Advice

Good Advice

Do you know what Christopher Columbus, Amerigo Vespucci, Meriwether Lewis, and Ferdinand Magellan had in common?

They were explorers. Yes.

They were men. Correct again.

But they all also probably spent a lot of time wandering around being lost. Columbus is famous for discovering America, but he was really looking for a shorter way to sail to Asia. He got “lost” and found a whole continent. Getting off track helped Columbus, but things usually don’t turn out that well for most guys. Have you ever driven around with your dad when he’s obviously lost? What did he do?

Chances are he did not ask for directions. According to a study by a British insurance company, male drivers travel 276 unnecessary miles each year because they refuse to ask for directions when they’re lost. The wasted time and extra gas add up to more than $3,000 thrown away per year. That’s pretty pricey. It’d be smart if dads stopped to ask for directions or checked their smartphones to find out where they were. (To cut him some slack, Columbus never could’ve done this in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean.)

King Solomon was considered the wisest man of his time. In Proverbs 15:22 (HCSB) he wrote, “Plans fail when there is no counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.” Just like it’s a good idea to ask for directions, it’s a good idea for you to listen to advice. Your dad and mom have a lot more life experience than you do. Often they’ve lived through a similar situation that you’re going through and can give you solid advice. A youth pastor, older sibling, or grandparent can be a source of good counsel as well. By getting and following sound, biblical counsel, you’ll save a lot of wasted time and energy in the long run.

Daddy-Daughter Time

Go to a Chinese restaurant together. At the end of your meal, read the notes in your cookies to each other. Did you receive any good advice? Probably not.

Fathers, can you remember a time that you should’ve listened to some advice and didn’t? What were the consequences? On the flip side, what’s the best advice you ever received? Share that advice with your daughter. Daughters, reassure your dad that you’ll always try to listen to him.

What’s The Word?

Plans fail when there is no counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.   Proverbs 15:22 (HCSB)