Things I won't regret Teaching my son 2.JPG

My son just turned two years old. Right now, I am teaching him how to use complete sentences and the potty. Someday, I'll teach him how to throw a curve-ball, go in hard for a clean, two-footed tackle, and fly-fish for king salmon.

But, more important that those things, I feel the obligation to teach him a few things that I won't regret.

1. Respect your mom.

First of all, she's my wife. You mess with her, you mess with me. Also, she's the woman who has given more of her time and energy for your well-being than anyone on the planet. There is nothing that you can ever do to repay her and she isn't seeking it, but until you breathe your last breath, respect her.

2. Earn your way.

I love you. Your mom loves you. Jesus loves you. However, just because you are unconditionally loved and accepted by us, doesn't mean you can take anything for granted. If you work hard in school, win yourself a bride, earn a living wage, and pop out a few kids of your own, then, someday, maybe, you just might have a slight chance of understanding the cost of what it has taken for mom, dad, and Christ to love you the way that we love you. Until then, keep your hand to the plow and don't look back.

3. Never stop learning.

The moment you stop learning is the moment you stop living. Access to the leading thinkers throughout all of human history is at your fingertips like no other generation before you. Nothing, not philosophy, theology, astrophysics, microbiology, or quantum mechanics is off limits to you. Hit the books. If they hit you back, hit them harder.

4. Think and feel deeply.

Drink deeply in the fountain of truth and let it grip your heart and take you places that you never dreamed. Learn about the unique smell of your wife's breath that no one else on knows. Study the wetness of water as it swishes in your mouth and quenches your thirst. Notice the steam escalating from a cup of coffee during a spirited debate with a friend about an important matter. Think deeply, but don't forget to allow your heart to soak up every moment of this gift we call life.

5. Spend time with brothers, not buddies.

Buddies will use you. Brothers will fight for you. Never mix up the two. Don't waste your time with buddies. Freely sacrifice yourself for those who you are privileged enough to call a "brother."

6. Get dirty, but stay organized.

You've got a ton of work to do. Every man does. You won't get anything done without getting your hands a little dirty. But, don't let the amount of work you need to accomplish clog up your life. You won't be able to do anything if you can't stay on track. Plan well, work hard, stay organized and you will get stuff done.

7. Protect your sexual integrity.

Other boys will try to make fun of you for being a virgin. They are stupid. Men are designed to protect the purity of women so that they aren't abused by foolish men. An honorable man shouldn't even lay eyes on a woman sexually if she is not his wife. This means that you are never permitted to view pornography (in whatever form it takes), have an elicit conversation with a woman who is not your wife, or treat any woman as a object for your gratification. Do this and you will be an honorable man. If they think they are mocking you for highlighting your sexual integrity, they are fools.

8. Grace wins.

You won't be able to live up to the standards that your mom and I (and God) have for you. Come clean quickly. Seek grace. And, let the abundant supply that God has for you fuel your pursuit of his glorious calling upon your life.