Of all the roles I have in the world; the role of son, husband and father are the three best.

Being a son reminds me from where I came. What my name is, what I live up to, and whom I represent. I am the “Son of Rodney” and as a person of faith a Son of God too.

Being a husband reminds me the world doesn’t revolve around me. I have a life partner I get to love, serve and journey alongside. Someone who is the TRUEST REFLECTION of the fulfilment of my responsibilities on earth.

Being a father reminds me I’m raising adults, even while they are still kids. They remind me that just chasing them around the lounge room can be the highlight of their day, no matter what has caught up with me at the office. Throwing balls in the air (in any direction I might add) with my son or dancing with my daughter cheek to cheek all whilst ignoring the unchecked emails and looming deadlines (for a while :)).

I only ask myself one question during the transition from work to home. One question to set my family up for a win.

“Who does my family need me to BE as soon as I walk through the door?”

Fathers ARE the fabric of the future. We live in a world where it’s clear that we are male, yet increasingly unclear about what it means to be a man and even harder to translate that into Fatherhood. More often than not I see us replicate the script we were brought up with rather than intentionally shape the kind of style and atmosphere we want in our marriage and home. We become the proverbial ship without a rudder and end up collapsing at the end of the day like Shrek and Fiona as they run themselves ragged looking after their tribe. Yep, been there and sometimes still doing that!

Dads, we can set ourselves three important milestones that each of us can work towards, day in and day out, no matter what we face. They are:

Be responsible: Step up on the inside and be the man, leader, guide and servant in your most valued relationships. Do what you say you are going to do. Be more than a provider, be a sculptor of the future, an investor in potential, and a coach to the next generation.

Be present: (My biggest personal challenge.) When you’re at home, BE AT HOME. When you’re at work be at work. Manage technology so it’s a tool, not an anaesthetic. Get fresh air, ride a bike, kick a ball, get your hands and feet REALLY REALLY dirty.

Be proactive: Look for ways to serve and set your family up for a win, create memories, and make little things big deals for your kids. Love your spouse in front of your kids. Plan ahead and budget for the little things. They add up.

My kids recently got to go to Disneyland. They loved it. It was as magical as you could have expected it to be. Less than a month after we had been to the “happiest place on earth” I spent the night in a tent on a sleep out in the backyard with my daughter. She woke up in the morning and exclaimed “Dad that was the best night of my life.” It just floored me how small investments create such powerful memories. We are definitely doing the sleep out again!

An ancient author named Paul said it this way “You have 10,000 instructors but not many Fathers.” In the right place, at the right time Instructors are necessary. In every place, all the time, Fathers are essential. Why?

  • Instructors tell. A father shows.
  • Instructors are pass/fail. A Father helps you find the victory (and the learning).
  • Instructors share information. Fathers share their hearts.
  • Instruction has a time limit. Fathering is for a lifetime.
  • Instructors focus on task. Fathers focus on progress.

We need you more than ever to be fathered and be fathers. So, captain my captain, lean in and step up. The future is waiting for you to make that decision.

Question:

What are you learning as a father that is helping you parent the future? I’d love you to share your thoughts.