Influence of a Dad: I was at Wal-Mart picking up groceries the other day. A young guy in his 20s was loading my groceries and I asked him if he worked at Wal-Mart full-time or if he also went to school. He said that he was full-time, but was preparing to enter a one-year school for a certification so that he could be well-qualified to work on cars. I asked if he had a mechanical mind and enjoyed the work. He said, “yes.” He went on to say that when he was a child, his dad made him come along anytime he went outside to work on the car. Time after time, year after year, the guy at Wal-Mart learned how to fix cars. It is now what he wants to do to make his living. And why? Because of a father. Because a dad invited his son to come along rather than pushing him away. A dad engaged his son, and as a result, a young man knows what he wants to do with his life. Dads who like their kids around are needed! Pass it on.
Family Fun: Today our family went to Global Wildlife in Louisiana. We had giraffes, antelopes, lamas, bison, and who knows what else stick their head into our jeep, eat from our hands, and slobber on us. It was quite a family experience! We all had fun and made some memories! The kids liked the giraffes the most. While we don’t post pics of our kids online, here are some pics that give you an idea.
B.J. Condrey, Ph.D. 