Raising Men

I have 3 boys, who in rapid speed are becoming men.  As each day passes, I realize the empty refrigerator, multiple taxi runs, and noisy evenings are all signs of them growing and maturing.  I find myself sacrificing time in the morning to get up early and get them to school and to give up weekends sleeping in to make sure they get to numerous events.  My oldest, Jon, is growing the fastest.  In his 14 years he is managing to reach 6'3", size 15 shoes, and now is borrowing my books to read.  This invasion of my library and through his unusually large, costly shoes he has grabbed my attention.  He is even beginning to do things with his computer that I didn't know how to do.  I'm beginning to realize I'm watching him transform from the baby I once knew to a man who will someday surpass me in many ways.

Tuesday mornings let me see this same process from a different perspective.  I've been meeting with 22 men for Bible Study.  They range in age from their early 20's to their mid-80's.  I'm in middle, but in the role of teacher and mentor.  When my alarm goes off at 5:30 am, I ponder why I am doing this, but at 6:30 am something magical happens.  These men come in and I see their commitment to grow in their walk with Christ.  They are at many maturity levels in their Christian walk.  For some the concepts are new and exciting.  When I listen to the answers of others I realize I'm privileged to be teaching men who have surpassed me in some areas.  Getting up early, preparing a study during the week for them has become an adventure.  Some of them are borrowing my books, joining other ventures with me, and helping me expand my view of the Kingdom of God.  I look at these men and enjoy every moment of their growth as men of God.  As I watch them grow, I look to the future, making sure I'm prepared for the bigger role many of them will take in the church and preparing material to grow them more in the future.

Make a commitment to grow.  Babies and children are cute, but if over time they never grow, that is a tragedy.  There is an adventure in growing spiritually and an excitement which is found in no other place.

And Jon, I anticipate you'll keep growing in your faith and your stature...that's why we bought 2 pairs of size 18 shoes and hid them in our closet.