Masterpiece Theatre

Shakespeare authored masterpiece plays. Beethoven composed masterpiece scores. Lincoln's masterpiece was the survival of the Union. My masterpiece thus far is the potential within my son Lance.

I believe all the problems in society (teen pregnancy, violence, fatherless children, etc.) have been born out of a failure on Main Street USA. Washington is unable to solve these problems through a top-down approach. A bottom-up system must follow for us to tackle these issues. If a family sees the world positively, then why can't a neighborhood? And why can't a community? And why can't a city? And why can't a commonwealth? And why can't a nation? And why can't the world?

The following is an incomplete list of what I wish to instill in my son through teachings and through example.

• We have only 1 life, which we should live well. Be disciplined in life, but also have fun.
• Since I am the only one to see the world from my unique perspective, I often confuse myself by thinking that my perspective is THE perspective through which all individuals should see the world. All human life is precious. To that end, I am not better or worse than anyone else. I am better at some things and worse at others. I will fight for justice to my son, but only as a third party participant. Lance will have the best from me because he is my son, but he will have equity whenever others involved.
• We only have 1 world. Whether or not human-caused Global Warming is truly a concern, we should take care of the world around us. We have limited resources, and small changes in our consumption can greatly affect the environment.
• Relationship is the key to a successful, happy life. Lance will not watch TV in excess or own video game systems. Instead, we are turning back time to raise him on wooden toys, board games, outdoor time, and relationships.
• Our worldview is seen through the lens of God. God is the key to everything. God is a loving and a just God. There is no real equity without God. Environmental responsibility is an imperative of the Bible. Relationships are enhanced when God is at the center of them. Virtue comes from the Bible.

This list is ever changing, but this is what I want Lance to know. An exhaustive list may follow 18 years from now, but this sums up my life's mission statement at this point.