The Mentoring Manifesto, Vol. 59: Embracing the Fatherhood Journey
I’m writing this from the Department of Motor Vehicles. Why? Because my son recently turned sixteen, which can only mean one thing . . . the kid who used to drive a plastic Lightning McQueen throughout the house will now be legally able to sit behind the wheel of an actual car.
Parenting never gets easier or less crazy, does it? But while rarely easy, it is incredibly important and incredibly transformative. I completely agree with Gary Thomas, who writes in Sacred Parenting, “the process of parenting is one of the most spiritually formative journeys a man and woman can ever undertake.”
It’s also one of the concerns we often hear from mentees…“How do I be a good dad?” or “how do I avoid just turning into my dad?” Many mentees don’t recognize they could use some help in their marriage or in building community, but most know they need some guidance as they embark on their journey as fathers.
The pace of information coming at our children and their constant connectivity to others creates unique challenges for today’s parents. As a mentor, one of the best things you can remind them is that someone will be raising their children…and even if they don’t have all the answers, the best person to do it is them.
And then share your experience raising your children . . . the things you did right, the things you did wrong, and the lessons you learned along the way. That wisdom and insight will be invaluable as they begin their parenting journeys. The resources below will help as you and your mentees embrace the fatherhood journey and lean into this vital role.
DAD TIRED AND LOVING IT BIBLE READING PLAN
940 SATURDAYS
Breathe New Life Into Your Discipleship
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