A wise shepherd knows that he cannot force his prized sheep to always remain on the safe path, instead he strives to guide them along the path with his staff of kindness. The shepherd's first concern is for his sheep, they are his work and his love. His fulfillment comes through guiding them to the meadows and streams which will bring them the richest joy. A generative father feels the trust of his child and feels the profound responsibility to teach, guide, and set an example to the best of his ability. Like the wise shepherd, a generative father's concern and guidance are constant for both sheep who need little correction and for those who frequently get lost.
Frustration comes and goes but hope remains constant.
Create your own fathering metaphor, and explain it's significance. Send us your metaphor via e-mail . Discuss the principles it teaches and how it can be used to encourage generative fathering. Review in your mind the professional literature in your field about fathering. FatherWork, All rights reserved.