Are You a Movie Watcher? An Important Family Lesson
I love watching movies, but there is an interesting dynamic involved: you are just a spectator. No matter how much your heart is beating during the chase or how much you yell at Suzy to turn around and watch out behind her….you are just a spectator.
This makes for a great family lesson. Unfortunately for men, we are natural spectators in life. In fact, we are all certified in NPC. That’s right…Natural Passivity Certification. I am in the third year in Men’s Fraternity (A Journey to Authentic Manhood) and early on we learned that being passive is natural for a man. You can live under the same roof with your children and wife and still not really be there. Life is happening all around you and it is just as if you are at the movies.
So, here is the ultimate question for all of us (men)…
Are You a Movie Watcher?
Are you merely observing your life and family from behind the newspaper and your comfy chair? Well, I work all day to provide for my family so they can have a roof over their head and food on the table (I hear you say). You are right, but your kids do not want the things you give them as much as they want you. When they are older they will forget about the Star Wars Lightsaber that is guaranteed to take over the dark side, but what they will remember is if Dad was there. Sure it is hard in the beginning, but it gets easier (read Dave Ramsey and the Momentum Theorem)
I’ll be the first to admit, that I have had my times on the front row with a big bag of popcorn watching life happen. However, two chilling conclusions got me off the couch and into the game.
1. You Can’t Use the Pause Button
We all know who is the King of the Remote and although you have complete control of the universe, you can’t use the pause button for life. Sure, life get’s tough and we need our breaks, but as hard as we try we cannot use the pause button. We only come this way one time. Make each moment count and appreciate the life stage you are in.
2. You Can’t Use the Rewind Button
Most of us know this to be true and it can be painful to think about. However, what is done is done, but you now hold the power to be different and to determine that you are not going to just watch the show but are instead going to be an active participator. You have no rewind button on your remote control for life. Make each moment count. Take the bike ride. Play catch with your boy and, yes, wear the tiara for your daughter the teddy bear at the tea cup party is counting on you.
So, stop reading this post already…Cinderella is waiting.
