The Three Challenges
For the physical challenge, we are going to train for and run a 10K together. We're eyeing the Capitol Hill Classic next May. I think it will teach discipline and pursuing a common goal creates a unique bond.
For the intellectual challenge, I'm having Parker read a dozen books. I don't have all of them picked out, but I'm going for a cross-section of books that have impacted my life yet are age-appropriate for him.
For the spiritual challenge, we're reading through the New Testament together. I want to teach him spiritual disciplines so we'll also do a forty-day Lent fast. Not sure what we'll fast, but we'll both give up the same thing. And I want to help him come up with a code of conduct and life goals.
Honestly, I don't really know what I'm doing! I just figure that if we sweat together, talk together, and pray together we'll probably grow close together! Sure, I have a plan. But I'm not sure what this will look like six weeks or six months from now. One thing is sure: I'm not going to let our culture raise my son! I'm determined to disciple him myself!
22 Comments:
Mark,
As always thank you for your honesty and openess in everything. I loved the idea of the covenant and the 3 challenges the first time I saw them. While I don't have kids of my own I do disciple a group of high school guys down here in South Florida (oh yeah, the Bulls now #2) and can't wait to take it, tweak it, and make it our own.
Great plan, Mark. Way to go! I'm looking forward to reading how this goes for you and stealing good ideas.
god bless. john in colorado
That is so cool! I am sharing this with my husband and 16 year old son!
We are so blessed to have had the opportunity to have our son in a private, Christian school since 1st grade (only 2 more years until college)! That combined with efforts such as yours - as given us not only an incredibly close relationship with him - but, his walk with the Lord is a constant testimony to those around him.
I think when our kids see us live out our walk with God - and then join in with us on that walk - it inspires them to draw closer to Him! For example, 6 years ago - right after our 15 year wedding anniversary - we separated and underwent marriage counseling. God restored our marriage and family - and as a result to what our son saw God do during this time - has a desire to be a Christian counselor and/or youth pastor! How cool is that?
Thanks again for the post - great ideas!
I am printing this blog entry and taking it to my parenting life group tonight to share and spark some conversation. I'm going to encourage the moms to do this with their daughters in some aspect, too. Thanks!
Mark- just thought I'd let you know that your post today was an answer to prayer.
Thank you for sharing.
Thanks for sharing. Great ideas to help us young dads.
Mark, I see how you are letting your children live in the world, but are showing them how to not be of the world. How awesome.
I have a daughter, but sent your blog idea to some of my friends with sons. I think it is great.
Do I hear research for a book in the making?
Tina
Wow! This is awesome. Sounds like some one has read Raising a Modern Day Knight- if not then you should. God bless us all as we raise our kids in this culture.
Thanks for the encouragement to not just be a good dad, but a dad who leads his kids to Jesus. I have a three year old son who I just went to beakfast with this morning, and it was awesome to spend that one on one time with him!
I pray that your time with Parker will be full of great conversations that open him to see himself, and his relationship with the Lord in new and amazing ways. I imagine that this will grow you as much as it will your son, too.
Great job, Mark! It doesn't matter that you know what you are doing, but that you are trying to honor God and lead your family well.
Brandon
sugar Land, TX
Mark, How is Parker? Looks like a great fathering plan!
How old is Parker?
Good stuff! That you are thinking, planning, and spending time together is huge! love the challenges. Just an idea---next time let him set the challenges. You'll be amazed at what he will come up with and it will give him a great sense of responsibility. I recently put my guys each in charge of my house for a week--it was great! Keep it up!!
Can't wait to hear which 12 books you choose for Parker to read.
Don't know you, but you sound like an uber-cool dad! Would you write a book from the stuff in this post? I think dads would greatly benefit and be greatly appreciative.
It won't be my next book, but I'm pretty sure I've got a book up my sleeve. I was definitely inspired by "Raising a Modern Day Knight" a few years ago. I'm thinking we need a few more books helping dads!
Mark
YES, Mark, how old is Parker?
Zak
www.zakwhite.com
What a terrific plan and great commitment. I am thinking of how to tweak it and apply it for my two daugthers. We can actually do it as a family, my wife included.
Edward - Church planter, Mombasa, Kenya
Hey all,
I think it's best to start when your kids are pre-teens, but it's never too late! I would try to catch them in their formative stages. Anywhere between 10-16 seems like a good place to start.
Hope that helps!
Mark
Mark,
What an incredible inspiration, thank you for sharing. As parents in our culture we need to be very intentional about raising our children in Christ. This experience will shape your son and stay with him his whole life.
-Matt
www.northwaychurch.tv
When you mention physical challenge I always think about one of my favorite shows growing up- Double Dare! Though I have a feeling that the 10K will be less messy than the physical challenges on that show.
This is a great idea. Will you do this just once then, or will this be a yearly thing? Also, what sort of pilgrimage do you have in mind - like going to a football game, or traveling a great distance or ???
Hey Jason,
Not sure beyond this year :) It's an experiment, but hopefully it lays a discipleship foundation.
Not sure where we'll go. I'll definitely post on it though :)
Mark
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