The Blessing of Working with Our Children
Not only was it wonderful to spend that time with my son, but it built him up as an important and contributing member of our family economy. I instructed him to take notes on any words he heard that he did not understand and to discern which board members contributed the most to the board discussion and to try to guess what their role was with the company. After the meeting he debriefed me on his notes and his observations. One local board member had offered to have my son go to his home during the board dinner and the meeting the next day so Adam could play video games with his sons. I politely declined and explained that I was training my son to be an entrepreneur and that his current training consisted of learning the lexicon of business and entrepreneurship by listening in on my discussions and meetings as the opportunities arose. As it turned out, my son was a powerful witness to all the other fathers on the board. They were clearly impressed with this well-dressed and well-mannered young man and -- although it had never occurred to them to include their sons in a similar way -- they certainly were much more open to the idea by the time we were through. The surprise benefit was that every time one of them was tempted to get colorful with their language, they would look over at my innocent son, check themselves and change course. What an example of how the righteous and the innocent can be an influence for good!
After returning from the board meeting I was lining out my calendar with my family and informed my two oldest daughters of two different events that I wanted them to attend with me and assist me as my personal assistant. As soon as we were wrapping up our scheduling, my youngest daughter -- all of 25 months old -- rushed over to the head of the table and begged for me to take her to a meeting as well. It just doesn't get any sweeter for a Daddy than when his children beg to be with him.
Pasted below are the notes my nine year-old daughter Maria took at a recent meeting I had with a colleague. She was very attentive during the meeting and she asked excellent questions for clarification when we finished the meeting and debriefed back at the home office. While her spelling wasn't perfect, her understanding of private equity transactions took a huge leap forward.
- August 29, 2008
- Introduction to Entrepreneurship
Kurt Eilander August 29, 2008
I just LOVE the hat! :)
Robert & Theresa Gould August 29, 2008
We loved reading about your children's involvement. It continues to amaze us how the Lord can use our children to witness to the world around us. This happened today at a restaurant we frequent with grandma. Thanks for sharing your children with us too!
John M. Pepe August 30, 2008
Wade: I loved this story and I applaud you for your efforts. I am now a grandfather and I only wish I had the foresight to do this when my children were growing up. I will certainly pass this on to them so their children can benefit. Regards, John M. Pepe, Puffin Investor and Board member.
Brian Mick September 1, 2008
So great to see how God is returning the hearts of fathers to their children. Praise Him!
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