This is a transcript of a 30 second message that Coach Bill McCartney shared sometime ago. Men, Where are our Priorities?
“We jog, run, camp, fish and build furniture. But, do we ever cross the line?
I’m Bill McCartney…It’s 4th and Goal!
I know men who can take raw wood and a few nails and create a family heirloom. And then there are those who can listen to a sputtering engine and pinpoint the problem without even popping the hood. Other guys fly fish or fry up a gourmet meal.
Some of us are music lovers, avid readers and huge pet fans. These interests help fulfill us, but sometimes we can get caught up filling our days…and evenings…and weekends…Pursuing activities that leave our families in the dust.
Take our interest in man’s best friend. Our animals are companions for kids, protection for the home and just plain furry fun for the whole family. But, with all the extras and supplies available, there can be a tendency to get a little carried away.
We’ve got doggy beds, doggy diet chow, and special canine clothing. People primp their pooches, put them up in pet hotels, and even take them to counselors, when they’re not sure what’s dogging Fido. Things can easily get out of hand.
While we enjoy our outside interests and hobbies, do we let these “extras” become sore spots in our lives? Do they absorb far more time, energy and money than we should be sacrificing?
Any diversion can draw us away from the relationships that we make life worth living. Let’s ask ourselves what’s more important, fulfilling our own needs or being a father to our children? What will they remember longer? The shiny wax job on the classic ‘vette? Or, all those times we got on the ground and wrestled around with them?
Guys, we can take our hobbies to the extreme, pouring money and time into efforts that have no lasting value. Anything we put ahead of our wives and children, wether a pedigreed pooch, a workbench full of tools, or a super-deluxe convertible, says something about who we are, as men. Let’s keep first things first and stay clear of anything that pulls us away from our first priorities as fathers and husbands.”
Bill McCartney was the head coach of the University of Colorado football team for years, leading them to a co-national Championship. He is the former President and one the founders of Promise Keepers.
“…Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is admirable, if anything is excellent or praiseworthy, think about such things.” Phillipians 4:8
