My father’s code of conduct

Code of Conduct

Article 1 (a) I promise that at all times, in all things, under all circumstances, I shall strive to be faithful to my God, wife and children. (b) I realise that I am human, and there shall be times and situations that will put this promise to the test. (c) If and when I should succumb to (b) above and, God forbid, fail to live up to (a) above, I shall be Christian enough to act pursuant to Article 9 (a) and (b).

Article 2 (a) I promise that at all times, I shall be responsible and provide all my family’s necessities and, if need be, go above and beyond my call of duty. (b) I realise that there will be times when I may be momentarily unable to fulfill my duty in (a) above. However, I shall always do my best to be the provider that God purposed me to be, pursuant to Article 7 (b).

Article 3(a) I promise that if and when there is conflict in my family — within and/or without — I shall not use past “records” against anyone. (b) I shall act with decency, decorum and supreme justice — without fear, favour or any interference — to make sure conflicts are solved amicably, sans any abuse whatsoever, and anyone aggrieved receives prompt recompense, pursuant to Article 9 (a) and (b).

Article 4 (a) I promise that, in the issue of family finances, I shall — from planning to execution — take my spouse’s input and participation into serious consideration. (b) Furthermore, I shall employ, for all transactions, an “open ledger” policy. Which means I shall never hide family-related fiscal dealings, bank accounts or squander or misappropriate my family’s myriad resources — time, talents, et al — pursuant to Article 10 (a).

Article 5 (a) I promise that wherever I am, or where my calling takes me, I shall always be accessible to my family, via various media like Skype. (b) I take into cognizance the fact that situations and circumstances may make this promise hard to fulfill. However, I promise that I shall make an effort to be accessible and available, whatever the cost, pursuant to Article 10 (a).

Article 6 (a) I promise that in my thought processes, talk and actions — home and/or away — I shall strive to be the role model to my wife and children, thereby setting a Godly example. (b) Should situations arise when I fall short — pursuant to Article 1 (b) — I shall go for broke to pay for damages, pursuant to Article 9 (a) and (b).

Article 7 (a) I promise that I shall go to all legitimate lengths to ensure my children receive quality education. In making this promise, I take into account circumstances; pursuant to Article 2 (b). (b) Still, I shall, to the best of my human abilities, do whatever it lawfully takes, so my children can reach their true potential, pursuant to Article 2 (a).

Article 8 (a) I promise that I shall not be an absentee head. I will not be missing in action by means of, inter alia, busyness or busywork, leading to non-performance of my responsibilities. (b) My presence and voice shall be felt and heard, respectively, in all matters; providing guidance and nurture, pursuant to Article 2 (b), subsection two.

Article 9 (a) I promise that I shall not be afraid, ashamed or too haughty to apologise to God, my wife, children or whomever I have wronged, by omission or commission; pursuant to Article 1 (a) and (b). (b) I shall say sorry, unconditionally, and mean it. Besides, I will not let pride, ego and/or macho posturing to stand between me and reason.

Article 10 (a) I promise that I shall always put my family first, pursuant to Article 1 (a). (b) I shall not, for instance, barring unavoidable circumstances, live a carefree life until I know — beyond a shadow of a doubt — that my family has fine nourishment, pursuant to Article 5 (a).

Article 11 (a) I promise that this document shall not be an end to itself; but that these promises will be constantly reviewed, raising the bar, to improve my relationship with my God, wife and children. (b) I shall live up to the spirit and letter of this code, and other subsequent reviews and amendments, pursuant to Articles 6 (a) and 10 (a).

Addendum. I make these promises, while of sound mind and memory, in the presence of my witnesses; the Holy Spirit, my wife and children who shall hold me to account.

NAME: _________________________________________________________

DATE:___________________________________________________________

SIGN: ___________________________

By JOSAYA WASONGA

Courtesy: Kenya Daily Nation