5 Mistakes Godly Dads Avoid or OvercomeSample

Mistake #5: Not going the extra mile

It was said that if you ever visited John Wooden, you'd probably find him sweeping the floor. The legendary coach was known as a legendary servant. I mentioned yesterday how we stayed at the baseball fields until late at night, after all the games were finished. It was then my dad would start his work — adding fresh dirt, then watering and raking the field.

There’s a spot where the pitcher’s foot lands when he delivers the ball. After hundreds of pitches in a day, the dirt gets pounded down and forms a hole. This will become a muddy mess if not periodically filled in. Someone has to take time, add fresh dirt, and rake it. But this can only happen after all the games are finished. Which means somebody’s gotta stay late at night. That somebody was often my dad.

Go the extra mile. My dad got there early and stayed late. Early arrival gave him time to mark fresh lines on the field. Staying after allowed for tending to the fields. The lesson is obvious. Jesus said, “And if anyone would sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles” (Matt. 5:40-41). This was a radical statement. Jesus was saying, instead of doing the bare minimum, do extra work.

What would it look like for you to go the extra mile with your wife and kids? Is there something your wife has been asking you to do? Try doing that thing on the honey-do list today – then, asking for more. Or try it with a good attitude. Don’t even mention it. This evening, when your kids tell you a story, listen without looking at your phone. Then, ask a follow-up question. Be the husband and dad who walks two miles when he’s asked to walk one. Ordinary dads make the mistake of only doing the bare minimum. Extraordinary dads go the extra mile.

Want to go above and beyond as a dad but aren’t sure where to start? Find out how you’re doing right now by taking the Godly Dad Quiz:

https://manhoodjourney.org/how-to-be-a-good-dad-quiz/