Charles Francis Adams, the 19th century diplomat, kept a diary. One day he entered: "Went fishing with my son today--a day wasted." His son, Brook Adams, also kept a diary. On that same day, Brook wrote: "Went fishing with my father--the most wonderful day of my life!" The father thought he was wasting his time while fishing with his son, but his son saw it as an investment of time. The only way to tell the difference between wasting and investing is to know you’re investing for.

My own Father-in-law was in a conversation with a man who was going on and on about his financial investments. Finally he let up and asked Papa what he invested in. His answer was short and sweet. “I invest in my kids.”

This is a month to remember and honor our fathers, but it’s also a good time to remind fathers what they are there for; not just to put food on the table and gas in the car. We’re here to Model, Mix, and Magnify. Model what a godly man looks like. Mix with our wife and children, spend time with them. And magnify their successes; praise them when they accomplish something and downplay their failures. Help our kids learn from mistakes and then move on.

And remember, your father didn’t get a book on how to parent when you were born either. He was a clueless as you were. So cut him some slack and give him some honor this month on Father’s Day. Bro. Clark