Following In Your Footsteps

I'm ready to begin a new series this Sunday titled #relationshipstruggles. We're going to begin with a special focus on the family.

Last week's northern storm reminded me of a story that involved a father walking outside to shovel the snow from the driveway. His boots sunk a few inches with each step. After making it to the road to begin his work, he turned around to find his 3-year-old son hopping between each print. The small guy was literally following in his father's footsteps. This moment had a profound impact on him.

Your children are following your example. Scripture reminds us to be a great model.

"Set an example for other followers by what you say and do, as well as by your love, faith, and purity." 1 Timothy 4:12, CEV

"In every way be an example of doing good deeds." Titus 2:7, NCV

Trust me, I could write about all the negative examples I've displayed through the years ... but why not focus on the positive instead? Here's a list of a few examples we hope our daughters learn from us. We hope they will follow these top 5 examples and implement them in their future families.

5. Affection - It's not uncommon for Shannon and me to get a few eye-rolls from our girls when we decide to "hug it out" a little longer than usual. And it's definitely commonplace for the girls to hear me say how amazingly beautiful I think my smokin' hot wife is!

4. Priorities - Date night is a good night! Don't bother me on Wednesday nights. I'm livin' the good life with my bride (good life = Shane's Rib Shack). By setting aside a date night, we're teaching the girls how important our marriage really is to us!

3. Fun - Shannon gets a little worried sometimes with the dares the girls and I throw at each other. Because she knows it's about to get real! The last bet involved a frozen pole and a wet tongue. Shan put an end to that one quickly! Seems like we're always cracking up and poking fun at something!

2. Worship - It's an unwritten rule that if it's Sunday, we're in church. There are no arguments and there's no discussion. It is what it is. It's important to us. 76% of parents who set the example of going to church will have children that stay connected to church after turning 18*.

1. Faith - Every morning Shannon and I get up early (6am) to begin our devotional time. Our quiet time is the very first thing the girls notice when they get up each morning. I want them to know it's the best way to start the day.

Please don't think I'm tooting my horn. That's not my intention. Trust me, I could be a "Negative Nancy" if I wanted to be. Shannon and I never claim to be perfect. But I am thankful for the opportunities I have to be a Godly example to my children. And I'm trying to make the most of it.

#relationshipstruggles? #leadbyexample

Blessings, Jimmy McIlrath

*Essential Church - Thom Rainer and Eric Geiger