Our wives and our marriage rank next. They are the ones to whom we have committed ourselves to love, honor and cherish until the end of our lives. As Scripture says, we must love our wives as Christ loves the Church. Every day, we must thank God for the blessings of a good wife. We must also show our wives our appreciation for who they are and all they do. We must be willing to serve them with all our hearts, helping them run the household and bring up the children. It is in serving them that men will find true joy.
Children are next. As fathers, God has charged us with the responsibility of raising our children to be virtuous adults. We are their leaders, providers and protectors. This means taking an active role in their lives and spending not just quality but also quantity time. We also have the awesome opportunity and responsibility to instill in them our Catholic faith! There is such a joy in watching our children grow into healthy adults and being able to take some credit for it.
Work plays a significant role. Men are raised to focus on career and be the primary breadwinner of the family. Because of this, we often derive our identity from our career. This makes it crucial to have a fulfilling career.
Unfortunately, studies have shown that 80% of men are unsatisfied in their careers. They often feel stuck in a dead-end job. In order to have a fulfilling career, a man must identify where his passion lies. He must then find a way to turn that passion into a career. This, however, must be done within reason and prudence. Don’t quit your day job without a pretty good plan for what’s next.
Close family and friends. Studies have shown that people who have a broad network of healthy relationships live longer, happier lives. When a man gets married and has children, his immediate family becomes his primary focus in life. However, this is not to the exclusion of extended family and friends. He still needs his parents and siblings to help and support him as a husband and father. Grandparents, especially, offer a wealth of knowledge and wisdom for marriage and family life. Close friends can provide a welcome break from the stresses of daily life.
Healthy pursuits are the sixth priority. Men need to have interests and hobbies as an escape from the stresses of daily life. So many men are focused on marriage, family and career that they don’t take time to relax and renew. Hobbies, such as golf, reading, camping, bowling, gardening or even a monthly poker night can help a man relax. Many wives actually encourage their husbands to develop more friendships and do more “guy things.” They recognize how having healthy pursuits can make their men better husbands and fathers.
