When I first heard of Duck Dynasty, I eschewed it as a red-neck hunting program that probably made fun of those of us of the red-neck persuasion. I never even took time to check into it because, honestly, I never expected Hollywood to put out anything worth watching. Finally, in the third season, Greg and I succumbed to the Duck Dynasty mania, and oh, how happy we are to be fans of the Quack Pack.
The Robertson clan is, in many ways, the typical American family. Well, make that the typical, bearded American family. The beards are impressive; however, don’t take that to mean that I’m hankering for my man to grow one.
The best thing about the Duck Dynasty family is that they are a family of faith, and they are not ashamed to talk about their faith in Jesus on national television, or anywhere else. Becoming a fan of Duck Dynasty has taught, or reminded, me of several important life lessons.
- Faith, Family, and Food are the great connectors in life.
Duck Dynasty has three common themes, other than ducks and beards. Faith in God, the importance of family, and gathering around the dinner table to eat, share, and make memories. I believe today’s families would be in much better shape if we got back to those basics.
- Every family has at least one member who is odd. They add spice to the family soup.
Uncle Si. There just are no words for Si Robertson. He is eccentric. He is funny. He is weird. Si boosts the entertainment value of this program hugely because you just never know what he is going to say. Hey! We simply need to accept and love our weird, interesting relatives for who God made them to be. Who knows? Maybe you and I are the weird ones and we don’t even realize it!!
- Dream big and follow your dreams. It may not always work out, but dreams sometimes turn into reality.
Phil Robertson dreamed of making duck calls. He had the opportunity to play professional football, but it interfered with duck season. His duck call dream required lots of hard work, but it paid off big time. Willie Robertson, the son of Phil and Kay, and CEO of Duck Commander, is always dreaming of the next big thing the Robertsons will do. Sometimes it works, sometimes, not so much. Dreams sometimes become reality, and sometimes they don’t. Dream anyway.
- Make a mealtime blessing a regular habit.
Every episode of Duck Dynasty ends with the entire Robertson clan around the dinner table. Phil always says grace over their food, thanking God for the blessings of family and food. A mealtime blessing provides opportunity to reflect on the fact that God is, indeed, our provider.
- Never judge a book (or person) by their cover.
The Robertson men are rough looking characters with their long, shaggy beards. Beneath the façade of those beards beat hearts that are totally sold out to Jesus. The beards are the gimmick that gains them entry to a worldwide stage on which they share their faith.
- Make time to sow into the next generation.
On the show, Phil and Kay Robertson are constantly sowing into the next generations. Phil’s passion for duck calls spilled over to three of his sons, while Kay’s passion for good cooking has her daughter-in-laws in the kitchen with her in many episodes. Phil often takes his grandchildren out hunting or fishing in order to try and keep them from becoming ‘yuppies’.
- Never compromise your faith.
I have read that the Duck Dynasty producers tried, with no success, to convince the Robertsons to tone down their faith on the program. Phil is adamant that faith in God is as much a part of the Robertson family as duck calls and shaggy beards. Way to go, Phil.
Are you a Duck Dynasty fan? What lessons have you learned from the Quack Pack? If you have never watched Duck Dynasty, I hope you will check out the program. Wednesday nights at 10pm on A&E. It is good, clean family programming. A true rarity today.
