“Courage is the most important of all the virtues, because without courage you can’t practice any other virtue consistently. You can practice any virtue erratically, but nothing consistently without courage.” ~ Maya Angelou
My father is a man of quiet courage. I’ve always admired his graciousness and desire to help others, his love of family and passion for life and I wish that every son could have a father as consistent and supportive as he is.
I watched him sit quietly yesterday evening with his granddaughter nestled in his arms and the look in her young eyes said nothing short of: “I have found heaven on earth.” The hushed and tranquil scene gave evidence of a certain quality of peace that emanates from one who is courageous, a peace that both soothes and inspires.
Fatherhood is a bountiful privilege coupled with a sacred responsibility. In my opinion there ought to be specifically designed classes that prepare young men for fatherhood – lessons to ensure that a young man is good and ready to take on the job. The fact that home economics has been dropped from most public and private school curricula is to me a tragic omission that leads to unprepared parents with unrealistic expectations.
Several topics should be covered in such a course:
- Budgeting
- What you need in your toolkit
- Typical home repairs
- The importance of play
- How to read to children
- Encompassing without smothering
- Protecting without hovering
- Meal time etiquette
- Handling pressure
- Setting routines that change over time
- Growing with your child
I could go on! Those topics are just a few that stood out to me relative to my childhood and I know that a little thinking on this matter could go a long way to change the world we share over time.
Many people are needlessly and terribly handicapped by their childhoods. They wobble into their adult years with blind spots, flat spots in their skill sets and holes in their character. It’s no wonder the world is the way it is when you stop to think about it. We’re not preparing people correctly. We’re missing the important things in the mad search for knowledge and facts.
I cannot thank my parents enough for the solid foundation they gave me in my childhood and I hope that each one of you, dear readers, has at least one or two things that you truly appreciate about what was provided for you during your formative years.
If so, please share!
Gregory Hake 
I agree, Gregg! Real life skills are not taught in schools, and really, if they were, society would be much better off. Parents who never learned the lessons can’t pass them along to their children, and some people (like me!) do much better with textbook/classroom learning than learning by observation or by failure.
LikeLike
You cannot give what you do not have. Important point!
LikeLike
coming back to this post at the end of the day…one more thought – the title is great – “Quiet Courage” – it does take courage to do the right thing and all the better to just be quiet about it, cause courage comes from that deep place within – thanks Gregg for your daily words of “in-courage-ment”!
LikeLike
Thanks for such a beautiful description of fatherhood and the pointers for anyone who is working with children.
LikeLike
I too am so thankful for my parents. Being a parent myself has let me view them with more understanding. Realizing the weight and unbelievable joy of parenting gave me profound appreciation for their courage and support both emotional and physical for us their entire lives.
I do think my parents were aware of the example they set for us and as they made life choices we were always considered. I think, like everyone, in hindsight they’d do some things differently but I can say I feel my parents did the best they could given the circumstances they encountered.
Their passionate reverence for a higher power helped set the course for our lives and for that I will be eternally grateful.
Beautiful post, thank you.
LikeLike
Your posts are consistently filled with the spirit of Appreciation. What a great way to look at and enjoy life!
Speaking of which, i too am grateful for many things provided to me by my parents including:
Pay your bills (on time)
Look at each circumstance as an opportunity/be optimistic
Look for the best in others
Be charitable with your time and thoughts towards others
Be productive in your work (and work hard)
Kindness
If what you have to say can’t contribute in a right way, dont say it.
LikeLike
One of my treasured lesson’s from my parents was the world is what we make it. I was not raised to fit a mold but the space to explore who I was and what unique gifts I had to offer. There were moments and years of obscurity, but now being happily married, expecting our first child and having a career I adore, my life is truly blessed. I am so happy and I know the best is still yet to come. Thanks Gregg!
LikeLike
That was a great quote from Mrs. Angelou, as usual! Thank you as well for highlighting some of these things that need to be learned by everyone and passed on to the next generation. The internet has made it possible for us to pass on info like this that we have learned even if we are separated by a large geographical difference. I was lucky to have a great childhood, but there is always room to grow. Thanks!
LikeLike
I am eternally grateful for the guidance my parents gave me over the years and continue to provide. Things like -forgiveness cures all, chilvalry lives, put others before yourself, courage and determination to see dreams become reality, and use your own head – that’s why God gave it to You….
Was I totally prepared for parenting – no. Would I have learned a great deal from a “class” – likely yes. And if we can improve what we offer from generation to generation then all the better! Otherwise we keep passing the same garbage.
let the schooling begin!
LikeLike
Looking back now, being in my early adult years there was such a great deal of abundance that was provided along the way that was designed to nurture and cultivate and draw forth the reality of me. I find when looking back though, I certainly was the one who was in the driver seat with respect to the depth to which those opportunities were taken advantage. Knowing what I know now certainly I would have done certain things differently, however, I am where I am, and thank-God for His leading me here!!!!!!
My depth of appreciation for those guiding forces along the way knows no bounds, more-so now than ever.
Gregg, you are certainly one of those force’s, thanks for you being you!
Wonderful start to a glorious day!
LikeLike
Wonderful post! I just celebrated my Mom’s 70th birthday this past week and as I watched her holding a bunch of colored helium balloons, my heart filled with joy and appreciation. She embodies the spirit of life and is the reason I’ve done so many wonderful things in my life like learning to fly airplanes, climbing fourteeners (14 thousand foot peaks) and enjoying the cool pool under a waterfall.
On her birthday, we woke at 5;30 in the morning so that we could enjoy the sunrise on the beach and then latter that day she body surfed with all of us giggling the whole time.
Love, love, love this topic! Thanks.
LikeLike
we were taught good manners.
that insurance is a must.
that driving safely is an imperative.
about germs because of a tragedy in our family.
about taking care of grandparents.
about taking care of sick children.
discipline and responsibility.
all of these things through actions rather than words.
LikeLike