I watched this clip earlier today:
I’ve played Xbox with people like this before. Their joy is contagious. Their giddiness transcends the game itself and makes you want to enter into their happiness. I want to be this guy when I’m 84 (actually when I’m 34–which isn’t far away). And I want my son to be this guy too. That has me wondering what I can do not only in my own life but also in the life of my son to teach him not to take himself so seriously.
Here’s what I’ve come up with. To the veteran dads that have cultivated the grace of a good time in the life of their children I could use your help…
- Be that guy myself. Joy like that is caught better than taught. I’m guessing that if my children see me enjoying life that way they will join in on the fun.
- Ground his identity in Christ. I don’t know if this old dude is a believer or not. But I do know that this type of joy ultimately comes from Jesus. It comes from learning that our identity isn’t in video game performance or any other performance.
- Cultivate a culture of grace. When Isaiah gets upset at a video game the worse thing I could do is beat him over the head with the law because he doesn’t “get grace”. Grace conquers anger and pride not the law.
- Community help. In order to sustain joy like this in myself and also teach it to my son, I am convinced that it will come through a community of grace. Friends like my buddy Mike—who just loves to have fun—are vital in this.
Anything you’d like to add?
