Father and Son
What is so special about being a dad? There are many great dads and plenty of mediocre or absent dads. More likely, most of us fathers have been great at important times and not so great or even poor dads at other times. Do you aspire to the title of Dad?
I realized that not everyone is cut out for fatherhood; I get and understand this fact of life. Life is complex and often does not set everyone up well for his or her life duties. This particular blog post will not address these harsh realities, other than to say goodness can still come from tough situations, people do change with time, and most importantly boys from these tough situations often can and do become great dads themselves. Instead, I am going to focus on what inspires me about this particular picture of a father and his adult-age son.
Our world needs great men and great dads, because only men can mentor a boy into a man. I am grabbed by the powerful image of a father in his later part of life standing side-by-side with his adult-age son. I’m inspired by this depiction of the progression of life. The other stages of fatherhood have been already navigated: super hero, disciplinarian, teacher, coach, and counselor. Now new roles are assumed: advisor, mentor, and hopefully even friend.
Why am I inspired? Well, I share with you a picture of 2 men who have already invested a lot in each other, yet are continuing to invest in their relationship to take it to new levels. I see a lot in these photos. I see respect and enjoyment in these pictures, I see proud fathers watching there sons run a small company. I see a son, who respects his dad and invites him into his life. I see a dad who is still engaged, cares, and gives input where needed. I see sons who is bold and who are making their mark on the world, there way. All these ‘pictures’ are good and excellent, and I want the same for my boys, because I know this is how it should be. I have a college age daughter and two teenage boys of my own. I’m grateful for this, and I enjoy the challenge of making my boys into men, and helping a daughter become a confident women.
IRONWORKS, Men’s Grooming & Supply Co. is BUILDING GREAT MEN.