Culture Maker — the Devotional for Dad'sنموونە

A Fathers Bright Vision

In Proverbs 29 we see numerous comparisons of wise men v's foolish, good parenting v's bad, the outcomes of good v's bad parenting — then, right in the middle — a verse on vision.

The King James Version has the most famous translation: 'Where there is no vision, the people perish.'

It’s referring to the divine revelation of our heavenly father — but also an immutable leadership truth, that people rise and fall, fail or thrive — on the back of a leader's vision.

We can’t imagine people perishing in our workplaces — but that’s where we apply vision most.

We can imagine people perishing at a country level — people literally get poorer, unhappier and unhealthier — thanks to immoral, corrupt and careless governments.

But we seldom think of the importance of vision, inside the family — but it turns out, it’s probably the most important place for a bright vision.

All the fatherhood research, in one way or another, points to the critical importance of a father's positive thoughts, actions, and beliefs — all of which are an outcome of vision.

If a married father's family thrives — it's because of his bright vision.

If a divorced father's family doesn't thrive, it's not because he’s divorced — but because his kids, or him, have lost their vision. That's not a dig at divorced dads — it's a challenge to not let divorce define your value as a father.

Married, unmarried, separated, or divorced — it's easy to feel like a failure. But there is nothing more important for us fathers — than to re-capture a bright vision for our role as a dad.

Our relationships can get better, our homes can feel brighter, our kids can get happier — there doesn't have to be the terrible two's and your teens don't have to grow to hate you.

Divorce isn't the end of being a great dad — for some it's just the beginning.

Let's choose to lead — to create a brighter future for us, our partner, and our children.

It's up to us dads — because we are His Culture Makers.

I'd love to help you capture a bright vision for your family. Check out my podcast, coaching, and courses at www.mikeedwards.co.nz Thanks for reading! Mike Edwards.