by: Pastor Mark Driscoll on Dec 19, 2011 in Parenting<\/p>\n
\u2019Tis the season for Dad to drop the holiday ball, stress out as the money is being spent for presents, and miss yet another providential opportunity to lovingly lead his family. <\/p>\n
So, this post is intended to help dads not fall into the same old rut of holiday humdrum, sitting on the couch watching football and eating carbs, but rather intentionally plan out Christmas. <\/p>\n
Our children grow quickly and if we miss the sacred moments God opens up for us to connect with and bless our families, everyone suffers and we set in motion generations of missed opportunity.<\/p>\n
Dad needs…<\/p>\n
1. a plan for the holidays to ensure his family is loved and memories are made. Dad, what\u2019s your plan?<\/p>\n
2. to check the local guides for what\u2019s going on to make fun holiday plans for the family. In Seattle it\u2019s here.<\/p>\n
3. to carve out time for sacred events and experiences to build family traditions that are fun and point to Jesus. Dad, is your calendar ready?<\/p>\n
4. to not let the stress of the holidays, including money, cause him to be grumpy with Mom or the kids. Dad, how\u2019s your joy?<\/p>\n
5. to give experiences and not just gifts. Dad, what special memories can you make this Christmas?<\/p>\n
6. to manage the extended family and friends during the holidays. Dad, who or what do you need to say \u201cno\u201d to?<\/p>\n
7. to ensure his family is giving generously during the holidays. Dad, who in need is your family going to adopt and bless? One great way to do this is to serve and love a hungry family through Food for the Hungry.<\/p>\n
8. to schedule a big Christmas daddy date with his daughter. Dad, what\u2019s your big plan for the fancy daddy date?<\/p>\n
9. to schedule guy time with his son. Dad, what are you and your son going to do that is active, outdoors, and fun?<\/p>\n
10. to help Mom get the house decorated. Dad, are you really a big help to Mom with getting things ready?<\/p>\n
11. to ensure some holiday smells and sounds. Dad, is Christmas music on the iPod, is the tree up, and can you smell cookies and cider in your house?<\/p>\n
12. to snuggle up and watch some fun shows with the kids, especially the little ones. Dad, is the DVR set?<\/p>\n
13. to take the family on a drive to see Christmas lights while listening to music and sipping cider. Dad, is it mapped out?<\/p>\n
14. to help Mom get the kids\u2019 rooms decorated. Dad, do the little kids get lights or a small tree in their room?<\/p>\n
15. to read about Jesus and pray over his kids. Dad, how\u2019s your pastoral work going with each of your kids?<\/p>\n
16. to repent of being lazy, selfish, grumpy, or just dumping the holidays on Mom. Dad, are you a servant like Jesus to your family?<\/p>\n
This post originally appeared on theresurgence.com.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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