Good ————— > Great
This is look #2 into some of the things that make me who I am. I want to live a life that is not just good but great. It is a continuation from Look #1 post.
I list here a few more events and seasons that I feel have shaped me wanting my life to be counted as more than just good:
Church – I have held a few positions in the church since I married and started settling down. I have been among other things a youth leader, Sunday School teacher and now a Sunday School director. Here again I found myself seeking out what a great leader in those positions looked like, and try to be even better.
Of course for church (and really everything I do) I have someone I really do want to impress, and that is my Lord and Savior – Jesus Christ. I really do want to do my very best because of what He has done for me and who He is to me. Jesus set a perfect example of how to be a great leader. I cannot be perfect like Him, but my goals are to be more like Jesus every day. And if I can just get closer each and every day then I feel I am trying to be great!
Husband – Knowing what an idea husband looks like seems to be a bit more subjective. I know what my father looked like as a husband – at least from the eyes of a child. I had friends who had good dads, but I only saw those men as a friend of their child. I have seen movies and TV shows that portrayed a husband, but those were only made for viewing entertainment. So where on earth could I find what a great husband should look like? I found the answer in my Bible.
The Bible clearly says that a man should love his wife as Christ loved the church and love her as he loves himself. (Ephesians 5:25-33) This is a serving sacrificial kind of love where you put your spouse before yourself. If you really understand that concept, then you know that I have struggled with meeting that expectation. In the early part of our marriage I really labored with putting her needs ahead of mine. As I learn more about Jesus, I am learning better how to love her – but still fall short. I have made a lot of selfish mistakes, and at times have not treated her like I should have. I am so thankful for her patience and forgiveness.
As a husband I should strive to be a great helper, encourager, lover (physically and sacrificially), leader, listener, provider, fixer, and faithful visionary.
The first example of a husband I knew in my life was of course my dad. Dad has shown devotion and love to my mom by giving of himself to her. He doesn’t want to go to some of the places she wants to go and see sometimes, but he goes because he loves her. I have seen them argue and disagree before, but dad has set a great example for me by keeping his vows to my humble mom for close to 50 years now.
Archie Johnson taught me through his actions how to be a humble husband and father. He allowed me to go on vacations with their family growing up, and he always treated me just like I was one of his own.
Dad – I love our children so much and I really wanted to be the best dad to them that walked the earth! However; I know I have fell short many times. I have fed my personal wants and desires over theirs at times. I have let my anger take control of my mouth and actions at times. But I really do want to be the best dad I can possibly be.
A great dad I think provides guidance, discipline, encouragement, is a helper, a listener, a teacher and an example. I have wanted them to see me committed to being a great example for them. They were able to see me graduate from college at the age of 31. They have seen me win awards from work. They have seen me have fun on vacations and while coaching ball teams. They have seen me serve as a leader in our church and at school. I really have tried to live my life as a great example for them.
A few years ago I expressed my desire for our family be known as giving, loving, passionate Christian family. We even created a family crest to visualize these characteristics. If we are known by these qualities, then I feel I have been successful as a dad.
There is none like You, O Lord ; You are great, and great is Your name in might. Jeremiah 10:6
Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do, he will do also; and greater works than these he will do; because I go to the Father. John 14:12