Generational Ambition

My father-of-the-groom charge/toast to the couple, Calvin and Bazen:

I recently heard it said that “The purpose of the family is to make ambition durable.” Of course this is only as good as the ambition comes from, and is through and to, Christ. But if it’s for Jesus, then more ambition.

I never met my dad’s dad, Francis Higgins. My dad, Dennis Higgins, died before he met you, son. You are our only son, Calvin Higgins, and you are to carry and advance the family ambition. Whatever it has been, the direction is clear now. Strategizing and sacrificing in order to bring more blessings to our people is the family business.

One of the things that attracted me most to your mom was that I knew she would not be satisfied with the status quo. By God’s grace, she would help me and our marriage and our kids (and then our children’s children) and the work grow. You are part of the proof of her godly dissatisfaction.

And you’ve also chosen a wife who will run with you. She is your ally. With her, go win BIG.

For as much as you already recognize how Bazen is great, it is your responsibility to learn even more what exactly God has given you. Living with a wife in an understanding way isn’t just dealing with her in order to not make her mad, it’s knowing her gifts, what she’s good for, what good she wants to do, and how she can increase the glory of your house. You must discover, as deep calls to deep, then develop what makes her irreplaceable.

And both of you, “outdo one another in showing honor” (Romans 12:10). I’ve read that in the happiest couples, the husband rated the wife more positively than she did on every single quality. Seeing and praising the good is also a mark of a wife’s respect for her husband, which will be like jet fuel in Cal’s rocket. This is not flattery, it is maturity to see all the things that God has given you in your spouse. So give thanks, to each other and for each other in front of others, in the name of the Lord.

Advance the generational ambition.
Develop your wife’s irreplaceability.
Outdo each other in honor and thanks.