This verse really made me reflect on my own life. I don't know if I could say that I am a great example to my kids. In fact, there are many times that I feel the opposite. Not to say that they see me doing terrible misdeeds, but I certainly can be a better example.
I love how pointed Jacob is when he says that the childrens' hearts are grieved because of their parents' bad example. I'm sure a part of this is because they wish their parents were a better example, but I wonder how much suffering and heartache could be avoided throughout their lives if they had a more steady, stalwart example to look to.
This in addition to thinking about a conference talk called "Fathers and Sons", really makes me want to try to do better as a dad. I spend too much time working, and when I am not working, I don't do a good job of actively engaging in my kids' lives. Here are some things I've been thinking about in conjunction with this line of thinking: I want my kids to be healthy, but I don't take care of myself. I want my kids to be spiritual, but I don't always take the time to be spiritual. I want my kids to be hard workers, and accomplish goals, yet I don't always show them that. I am not a good home teacher, yet I want my kids to be good home and visiting teachers when they are at that age. I am not actively involved with my neighbors or in my community, yet I want my kids to be.
There are so many ways that, to put it bluntly, I am failing to be a good dad to my kids. I feel like there are thing I do well in this area, but I feel like there is so much more I can and should be doing for them. I am going to try to be better. I think it would be good to pick a couple specific things that I can do that will make a difference, and not try to change everything at once, since that would get overwhelming. But if I can make small improvements over time, each of these major issues can be addressed, and I can show my kids the things I want them to know, rather than just telling them. A good example is far more effective than a good sermon.
