Last week our YPO group had our annual mini-retreat in the Keys. We decided to invite our fathers to join us for the day and a half retreat. None of us were sure how this was going to go - in fact it was one of the most chaotic retreats we planned. The chaos was obviously around spending almost 2 days with our Dad's and not knowing how they would react, or how they would feel about doing 'retreat work'. Most of us were scared too.
So we started slowly - cooking lunch on the grill - social time - letting everyone ease into the process. The fathers told stories and jokes. And ate.
Then we started the retreat work. We had everyone bring photos and icons so they could share something unique about them and their life - more storytelling. The fathers were sharing their journey's and wisdom. It was incredible!
Then we went to dinner and the fathers continued to tell stories. Their most precious stories. Their best jokes. We laughed. We ate.
The next morning Barry & Mithcell cooked breakfast for everyone. Then we started the retreat work again - We asked them to tell us "If you were going to pass down the Wisdom of you life to us, so we could pass it onto our kids, what would would it be?"
They told us;
-Love and respect your mother
-Never make a promise you can't keep
-Always tell the truth
-You never go wrong doing the right thing
-Seize the opportunities of life
-Serve and care for others
-Keep material things in perspective
-Rely on God
-You're vote counts
Our Dads' Wisdom passed down from one generation to many others.
Then we sat in a chair, faced our Dad, and told him how much we appreciated him for being our Dad. How much we loved him.
It was a life changing experience for all of us. Emotional, powerful and memorable.
Our culture lacks a way to honor our elders. We dismiss them once they get old. At this retreat, we honored our Dads - our elders. We blessed them and we appreciated them.
This retreat opened my eyes, and heart, to new and expanded relationship with my Dad.
I love you Dad!
Son,
John
Until next time...Passion Rules!
