Fathers and Sons: A Remarkable Relationship

My thoughts on Elder Ballard's talk "Fathers and Sons: A Remarkable Relationship"

This should be required reading for every father and son! WOW!

"Fathers and sons can play a critical role in helping each other become the best that they can be."

He mentions that the family and the priesthood are the two most powerful elements of our theology. "The priesthood is the divine power through which families are sealed together forever. Everything in the restored gospel of Jesus Christ, including the ordinances of the holy temple, is focused on the possibilities of families becoming part of the eternal family of God."

As I have lost family members over the past few years and as I watch my young men grow and get ready to leave the nest, I can only say, "AMEN!" to the above statement. I knew that the family and the priesthood were the foundation to our faith. If not then why did the prophets of old fight so hard to have families and to keep them in the gospel. Why didn't they just "cut their loses?" Because family is it! And the only way to keep family "it" is through the sealing power of the priesthood. Now if only your young ones understood this.

"You see, we’re all on a journey. Dads are a little further down the road, but none of us has yet arrived at our final destination. We are all in the process of becoming who we will one day be. Fathers and sons can play a critical role in helping each other become the best that they can be."

How do you let know-it-all teens understand this. "I want to find out for myself." "I don't want anyone to show me the way." "I don't need no stickin' road map." And yet they are foolish not to listen and to learn. Breaks a mom's heart.

(I think if I keep quoting his talk, I'll have almost every other paragraph. It is that good!)

"Young men, you are your father’s pride and joy. In you they see a promising future and their hope for a better, improved version of themselves. Your accomplishments are a joy to them. Your worries and problems are their worries and problems."

This is true if you insert the word "mother" in as well.

"Fathers, you are the primary model of manhood for your sons. You are their most meaningful mentor, and believe it or not, you are their hero in countless ways. Your words and your example are a great influence on them."

Amen! I just hope my husband remembers this and acts on it.

To the boys he says:
1. Trust your father
2. Take interest in your father's life.
3. Ask for advice.

Now how do I get my boys to read this? And how do I do it without sounding preachy?

To the fathers he says:
(and can't we moms learn from this too?)
1. Listen to your sons
2. Pray with and for your sons
3. Dare to have the "big talks" with them.

I have taken to "listening" to my sons. I listen even when what they are saying is not worth anything (like when they start talking video games). I think I'm only making inches with one son because I'm listening, but I'm going the right way. I'm trying really hard to just listen and bite my tongue. I can only pray it is working.

I'm praying for them all the time! I don't think I've ever stopped. I know they won't let me pray with them but when we have family prayer and I'm speaking I let them know that way that I am praying for them.

I have had plenty of "big talks" but I have let my husband have THE big talk with the boys. I think he has done a great job as my boys know.

What great advice from a prophet to us. What a great reminder of how to build relationships. I do pause to wonder why a prophet would use his time to speak to us on this matter. I don't wonder if they (the prophets and likewise the Lord) are seeing something in the distance that would cause one of the 12 to spend his time talking about family relationships in this much detail.

I guess this is kind of like when Pres. Hinckley told us to get our finances in order. He was prompted and look at us now. I guess we better wise up, listen, learn and do.