Legacy Plan

So... I learned something from the cup I was drinking out of Sunday at Chipotle. It says, "Wes Jackson is fond of saying that if your life's work can be accomplished in your lifetime, you're not thinking big enough."

That sounds a lot like what I've been coming to understand about fatherhood. My job as a father and husband is to intentionally be the father and husband that God has called me to be. To bring out the best in my wife and kids and to set an examle for my kids regarding how they should act as husbands and expect to be treated as a young lady.

I recently finished year one of "Men's Fraternity: The Quest for Authentic Manhood" and we were encouraged to create a Manhood Plan based upon the different lessons we experienced during our 24 weeks.

This is mine:

Being the Husband, Father, Leader and Grandfather I'm indended to be

-Each day on the way home from work, I will seek God and allow Him to prepare me to be intentionsl in my discipline, unselfish with my time and a servant to Charis.

-I will date Charis within one week of each paycheck ensuring that we date twice a month.

-Will plan an annual time away with just me and Charis-at least one weekend

-Once a month, at least be the 25th, I will find a tangible way to display affection and affirmation to Charis (flowers, card, note, etc)

-I will begin praying one on one with Charis nightly

-During the week I will actively look for and record things about my children that make me proud or that they are good at and share those things with them one on one at our monthly date.

-I want to facilitate Karston, Josiah and Alyssa encountering and falling in love with God. I will strive to live this daily but will also keep a laser focus on our two rules: Loving God and Loving People with the goal of making this a legacy and mission to be passed on to all future Goodson generations.

-I will plan at least one FUN family outing each month in order to play together and build lasting memories.

-I will continue to date Alyssa thru High School and her early adulthood until she is married. In doing this I will rely on God's grace to instill in her that she is a Princess who's very confidence and femininity will demand nothing less than respect and honr from the men in her life.

-I will continue my Bible study routine and wil lcontinue to fast on Mondays to pray for my family and whatever issues are presenting themselves at that time.

-I will actively seek a vibrant community of Godly men who hold me accountable and with whom I have a relationship that extends beyond a weekly "surface" encounter.

-I desire to reach financial freedom for my family in order to pursue God's callings withoug encumberance. To this end I will continue seeking God for his will with our money, finding ways to free more money to reduce debt sooner.

-I will begin a journal of sound financial principles that I desire to teach my children in order that they be armed with the tools essential to avoid financial pitfalls early in life.

-I will continue striving to maintain healthy diet and proper exercise in order to maintain my health and longevity allowing me to serve my family into my great grandchildren's generation.

I desire to use these tools to become an old man that is happy, content and in love. I look forward to the day that I can spend time with my children and their children and be blessed by their Godliness. To have my face and smile and love bring light to all those around me. To live long enough to experience a legacy of service to the Lord lived out in future generations. To have the privilege of my children and grandchildren seeking me out to speak blessing over their life. And to end each day in prayer with Charis and lying in bed discussing the many blessings God has bestowed on and through our family.

So, I know this seems methodical and sterile, but this gives me actionable steps towards becoming the man I'm called to be. What's your plan?

Any comments?