Raising Men

I had a conversation today with a young man, the son of a friend of mine. I have known the

young man casually over the years, mostly through his parents. The last time I talked with him was a few years back, so i was a little surprised at his call. The conversation started out with a legal question, not unusual since I am a lawyer. But it quickly turned to more serious subjects and a hunger for the young man to find out what it is all about and where he fits into the scheme of things.

We talked for a long time and it seemed that all of the major "food groups" were discussed: Politics, religion, daily living, how to save money, job prospects. I answered his many questions and offered what I think was sound advice on techniques to quit smoking, cooking on the cheap, and staying focused on the big picture at a time when a lot of young people are simply concerned only with themselves.

I enjoyed being helpful. And I realized that once again I am my father's son. If there was one thing that my dad is always ready to do, it is to impart life skills advice. All of my life I have watched him affect for the good people's lives simply by calling attention to the fact that the decisions they were making were in fact hurting them. Sometimes brutally honest, other times subtle, my dad could see through to the heart of the matter.

Today I continued the tradition. With it I recalled something that Fr. Phillip Chavez explained when he was talking to me about the need for men to mentor young men. He said that with the breakup of the family and the absence of so many fathers from the home, young men are not being mentored by older men. This failure to have someone that a young man can go to to ask questions can affect the young man's maturation process and delay his ability to step into his role as an adult male. those who have the opportunity to mentor must accept the responsibility.

Ultimately I like to refer all of my conversations back to the source of all of our strength.

I recommend that we all stay close to God. for He is our best advisor, teacher and source of grace.