Maybe we could test it on politicians...

Here's a new twist for a political race: One of the candidates for Oklahoma State School Superintendent proposed last week that used hardback textbooks be placed under every student's desk. The purpose? To shield their bodies in the event of a classroom shooting! You think I'm joking? Read it here.

Honestly, could he have sent a clearer message that he is not the candidate for people searching for real solutions for problems? What does he want to be known as? The Band-Aid candidate? Actually, this may qualify him as the perfect man to run the government school system: Treat the symptom, not the cause. No real thinking allowed.

So, what do we learn from this? How is this relevant to men trying to lead their families in the ways of Christ? Weeeelll, how about encouragement to look at the decisions we make from an outsider's point of view. Aaaaand, maybe ask a few questions as well:

1) Did I make this decision out of anger at the situation? (Not among my most rational moments)
2) Does this decision address the root of the problem? (Assuming we KNOW the root of the problem!)
3) How will my family react to this decision? Will they feel encouraged and protected or will they surmise that Dad's just blowing smoke again?
4)Second most importantly: Will this decision increase or improve my relationships with my wife and children?
5)Most importantly: Will this decision increase or improve my relationship with Father?

I could tsk at political candidates all day long. Heck, I could probably make it a full-time occupation! My judgmental nature loves that game! A more fruitful exercise would be to do what we just did: Take other's mistakes to heart and discern how we can avoid the same.

Into the Entrepreneurial Abyss...

Well...it's not all THAT dramatic. Just bought an auction of some liquidated tools that we plan on selling around here. We live in Amish country and the Amish can't resist funky tools. The best part of the transaction, however, wasn't obtaining cheap merchandise that we can sell for a profit (although, that is a plus!). The best part was driving seven hours round trip with my 14-year-old son. We listened to a Vision Forum disc on father and son relations being a reflection of the Father and Son relationship. Otherwise, we enjoyed good conversation, bad food and many laughs; not the least of which was the fact that the auction warehouse was 99.9% storeroom and the office was two guys with folding tables, folding chairs and laptops in a room that was five sizes too big for them. What a great picture of 21st century Internet business.

One of the best encouragements in the VF disc was to have your son at your side whenever possible, watching you work, minister, do business. I shared with Jeff #2 how my dad and I failed to establish that kind of relationship. We then talked about how much we appreciated the relationship the Lord has blessed us with, and how much we looked forward to its continued growth. I am amazed and deeply humbled to contemplate it...

Men, take the time to know and train up your sons. It will be well invested.