This past Friday, my oldest turned 12. Being the "great planner" that I am (yeah right) I started reading the "Raising a Modern-Day Knight" book by Robert Lewis (http://rmdk.com/online-training-program) earlier last week. Recognizing that our North American culture does not have a "rite of passage" tradition, I wanted to make sure I am raising my children in the way of the Lord and I wanted to make sure I can always be proud of my boys for becoming real men.
In addition to the book mentioned above, I found a couple of websites which may be good for reference and ideas:
http://www.frame-poythress.org/how-i-helped-my-boys-to-become-christian-men/
http://www.legacydad.com/
Saturday (8/25) I decided to take my oldest on a nature walk and introduce the journey to becoming a man. Surprisingly, he was pretty receptive to the idea. You have to understand, this is a "kid" who is too busy with his own desires to listen to anyone and easily lets himself get distracted. I think one key (after praying the morning of) was the change in environment: secluded outdoors = minimal distractions.
I explained that "according to formal etiquette, a boy is “Master” until he is 12; after that, he is “Mr.” (Mister)." (Ref: http://www.frame-poythress.org/how-i-helped-my-boys-to-become-christian-men/); however, just because you are of a certain age does not make you a man, legally and perhaps physically, but not mentally, emotionally, or spiritually.
I also explained that my dad never did anything like this or attempted to train and prepare me to become a man, so this was going to be a journey for me as well.
My son and his siblings know that I find it very important to regard Christ in all aspects of life, so it was expected that I would be using scripture and biblical reference as the foundation to this training. I mentioned to my son that I don't know how long this will take because only God grows, I will simply plant and water (1 Corinthians 3:7).
If we understand the priorities in successful living, we must recognize that our relationship with God our creator; Jesus our Lord, Savior, and God; and the Holy Spirit our guide, helper, and God, should come first. If we are faithful and honoring to God first, all other things will fall into place as God wills them, it is not a matter of changing fate, it is a matter of true perspective and realization. This is not to say we will not have unexplained problems in life, but it does mean that we will trust God in what He is allowing into our lives and give Him glory and honor always.
This journey into manhood for my son and myself will not only include scripture memorization, understanding, and practice, but also items pointed out in the Raising a Modern Day Knight book.
I just hope I am given the focus and hunger to intentionally and purposefully pursue this journey.
In addition to the book mentioned above, I found a couple of websites which may be good for reference and ideas:
http://www.frame-poythress.org/how-i-helped-my-boys-to-become-christian-men/
http://www.legacydad.com/
Saturday (8/25) I decided to take my oldest on a nature walk and introduce the journey to becoming a man. Surprisingly, he was pretty receptive to the idea. You have to understand, this is a "kid" who is too busy with his own desires to listen to anyone and easily lets himself get distracted. I think one key (after praying the morning of) was the change in environment: secluded outdoors = minimal distractions.
I explained that "according to formal etiquette, a boy is “Master” until he is 12; after that, he is “Mr.” (Mister)." (Ref: http://www.frame-poythress.org/how-i-helped-my-boys-to-become-christian-men/); however, just because you are of a certain age does not make you a man, legally and perhaps physically, but not mentally, emotionally, or spiritually.
I also explained that my dad never did anything like this or attempted to train and prepare me to become a man, so this was going to be a journey for me as well.
My son and his siblings know that I find it very important to regard Christ in all aspects of life, so it was expected that I would be using scripture and biblical reference as the foundation to this training. I mentioned to my son that I don't know how long this will take because only God grows, I will simply plant and water (1 Corinthians 3:7).
If we understand the priorities in successful living, we must recognize that our relationship with God our creator; Jesus our Lord, Savior, and God; and the Holy Spirit our guide, helper, and God, should come first. If we are faithful and honoring to God first, all other things will fall into place as God wills them, it is not a matter of changing fate, it is a matter of true perspective and realization. This is not to say we will not have unexplained problems in life, but it does mean that we will trust God in what He is allowing into our lives and give Him glory and honor always.
This journey into manhood for my son and myself will not only include scripture memorization, understanding, and practice, but also items pointed out in the Raising a Modern Day Knight book.
I just hope I am given the focus and hunger to intentionally and purposefully pursue this journey.
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