Being a child of 70s & 80s pop culture, I remember a show called Battle of the Network Stars which regularly featured a Simon Says competiton directed by Lou Goldstein. He was a master of getting even the most focused player to follow his actions, even when he would say "Simon Says" cause he would say something like "Simon Says lift your leg" but he would raise his arms getting the contestants to follow his actions rather than his words.
This morning in Men's Fraternity one of the most profound learning moments came when it was pointed out that our sons will leave our home primarily having learned "the life we showed them." Those are potent words to a "do as I say, not as I do" dad that I often am. Am I living a life like Lou Goldstein, instructing one way while my actions betray a different motion. My object is not to eliminate contestants, but raise up two sons, so am I setting a shining example or leading them to sorrow while exhorting them to go the other way.
The nice thing about Lou's tricks was it was all just a game. The contestants could have a good laugh about being stymied by the master "Simon." My son's lives are not a game and I'm no Simon. It is up to me to rise each day and give myself to God and live out that model for my sons to follow. With God's help may I do that each remaining day I have.
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