Let’s face it, life is risky. Nothing in our lives, apart from death and taxes as Benjamin Franklin famously wrote, is completely guaranteed or predictable. Financial situations change, our health can break down, and accidents happen more often than we like. Sometimes multiple catastrophes can happen all at once! As the ancient Greeks philosophised, the only constant in life is change.

So, what are we to do about it? We could do our best to avoid risk, but that presents its own danger. Avoiding challenges prevents personal growth, development, and gaining a sense of achievement. Reluctance to try new things can lead to feelings of regret, and trying to stay completely inside a comfort zone can be more dangerous in the long run, because inaction carries its own hidden costs.

The best approach? Living courageously. It’s not easy, but it’s more fulfilling and will lead to a greater sense of joy in your life. American comedian Dave Chappelle has a brilliant take on brave living: “The idea of being courageous is that, even though you’re scared, you just do the right thing anyway.” Indeed.

I’ve been scared plenty of times in my life. Even though my wonderful wife Jodi and I were excited to welcome children into our family, there was still a sense of trepidation when we found out we were having twins first. I vividly remember thinking, “What do we do now‽”, as we gingerly departed the hospital, our precious girls securely strapped into their rear-facing car seats.

Five daughters and nearly 19 years later (all seven of us pictured above), both my wife and I are so grateful that we faced our fears and embraced the challenges of raising a family. It certainly has been, and continues to be, difficult at times, but the sense of accomplishment and unadulterated joy we both feel daily is worth every sleepless night.

Living courageously looks different for each person. For a young man, it may mean having a long, hard think, praying especially, about his future. What should I do with this life I’ve been given? What’s my career going to look like? Is the young woman I’m dating someone I should marry and spend the rest of my life with? These were questions I challenged myself with in the early 2000s and today, by the grace of God, many of them have been answered and the adventure of life continues.

For an older man, living courageously could mean asking, What’s next? If he’s retired from full-time work and his children have grown up and left home, the questions could be, What now? What are some things I’ve learned that I can pass on to the next generation? Are there other men I could connect with and encourage? Many young men today have so much unrealised potential, and I’m convinced older men can play a key part in unleashing that potential for the betterment of society.

That’s why, in just over a week’s time, my good friend Peter Lim and some amazing volunteers are facilitating Dads4Kids’ next Courageous Online Fathering Course on Zoom. The 9-week program is a practical, step-by-step guide on how to build and grow your skills as a dad. It’s an excellent opportunity to learn from the hard-won lessons of other fathers, discover how to lead by example, and master living courageously.

Courageous features young dads, older dads, dads with teenage children, single dads and granddads. The course is for any dad who wants to take their fathering to the next level. It gives men the tools needed to lead their families with confidence, love, and wisdom — and it’s been life-changing for thousands of fathers.

The program is built on the concept of peer-to-peer learning. Fathers learn best from other fathers. Throughout the course, men gather insights and great advice from a diverse and comprehensive group of other men, from both the video sessions and interactive small group discussions.

If you’re a dad, are about to become a dad, are a single dad, or a grandad, then this is the course for you. Over the years countless men have been inspired by Courageous, and completing the course has proven helpful for many single dads, especially those facing court proceedings. Don’t miss the opportunity to learn, laugh, grow, and be encouraged to be the best dad you can be.

Lovework

You can live courageously and have a better life. It may not be easy, but it’s definitely worth it. Consider joining the Courageous Online Fathering Course. Registrations have been extended for a few more days. Don’t miss out – register today!

Yours for living courageously,

Nathaniel Marsh

P.S. If you’re heartened by the work of Dads4Kids and can partner with us in building men, growing fathers, and changing generations, please consider supporting us on a monthly basis.