Just Dad

Boys,

There are times when there has to be confrontation. Don't look for it, but don't shy away from it either. I heard someone once say that "Confrontation was best served cold." In other words, don't wait to confront an issue, but handle it right then and there. You do not need to speak or act without thinking, but I have found that the longer you put off a much needed confrontational conversation the thoughts of the issue at hand will begin to fester into bitterness and undue anger.

You don't have to be angry to confront. The goal of any confrontation is not to prove yourself right, but to better the situation for the right. When you do what you do for the betterment of yourself and others, do not apologize for it. Keep a loving attitude, even when you have to do the difficult.

With that in mind, I do what I do for your betterment. I don't like it when I think you are mad at me, but I can take it. When discipline comes, you are not the happiest, and I am not your favorite. I can take it. You will have the opportunity to be kids and make many mistakes. However, you will also be taught lessons so that when you are no longer a child, you can put away childish things and thoughts.

The goal is to love life to the fullest, and live to become the man God (and your mom and I) want you to be.

I love you,

Dad