Recently, I had just finished a men’s Bible study group. We completed a Bible study guide for Tony Dungy’s book, Quiet Strength. I had finished the book around the time my son had his Scoliosis surgery. The book was excellent. I found the study to be very helpful. One of the most important aspects of the study was that we met together as a group of men and could share our common interests and concerns. There’s something about meeting with a group of men, swapping manly stories, and encouraging one another.
One of the things we talked about in the study was what legacy our fathers to left us, and what kind of legacy would we be leaving to our children. In sports one of the things people talk about when a team wins 3 or 4 championships – especially in a row – is whether or not the team is a dynasty. Politicians, especially presidents, like to think about their legacy -what mark or contribution they left behind that they will be long remembered (good or bad).
Many people think of Richard Nixon’s White House days and of the corruption of Watergate. In fact, that experience has so marked our country’s culture that whenever a president has an alleged ethical, legal, or moral lapse, we refer to it as (fill in the blank) “gate” (i.e.: “Iran-Contra gate”,” File gate”, “Travel gate”, and sadly,” Zipper gate”). What many fail to realize is that President Nixon also left a legacy of diplomacy with our adversaries, which led to a thawing of the “Cold War.” This country’s Founding Fathers had many faults of their own, but they also have a legacy of democracy that has spread throughout the world.
What about our own fathers? Our fathers have had both good and bad parts to their legacy. Why? Because they’re human. They may have struggled with alcoholism during your younger days, and not spent much time with you. But, later in your life they were able to stop drinking, and spent a lot of time and money to help you along your way in life.
Maybe you didn’t appreciate it at the time. But, now you have a chance to say thanks to your parents for all they have done for you. Stop now and appreciate the good that your parents have left you as part of their legacy. If you do, I guarantee it will have a positive effect on the way you parent and the legacy you leave your kids. Being a part of a men’s group can help give you that kind of healthy perspective.