A Picture in a Backpack

Last Friday, our son Parker began kindergarten. And while it may seem like an overstatement, both Tonya and I felt a sense that we had been preparing him all his life for that day. His first solo day. Granted, one of his best buddies was in class with him, he'd been on a couple of tours of the school and the kindergarten teachers are accustomed to helping children in their new environment. Still, we wondered, was he ready? How would he respond?

To help Parker feel as if were still "connected" to us, we placed a picture of our family in his backpack. So, in the event he needed to be reminded that we loved him, he could pull out the picture and we would, in effect, be there with him.

When last Friday came, we arrived at the school and took a few pictures with his good buddy who was coming in with his parents at the same time. We walked him to his classroom, briefly spoke to the teachers and then we kissed him and told him, "Bye. We love you. See you at Noon". And then we just left him there. But we left him with a piece of us. That picture in the backpack. And 5+ years of training.

At Noon, we arrived back at school to pick-up Parker. He hopped in the van and told us that he "loved it" and that he is "pumped". And we were thankful. Thankful for God's blessings. Thankful that Parker is off to a great start with school. And after a few minutes of listening to him share all the exciting details of Day One, we asked if he saw the family picture in his backpack. "I knew it was there", he said, "and I thought about it all day. But I didn't need to pull it out". "Well, good" was our reply as we reminded him that he can leave it in there for any time he might need it. "I don't think I'm gonna need it", he said. And that hurt......... for about a millisecond. And in that moment we realized that he is going to be fine. That we had done our part. That he was ready.

Here's The Point: Sometimes our goals are easily definable and attainable. Sometimes they are much less so. Some are concrete while others are obtuse. Some we may never reach. Some goals, like this one, are over 5 years in the making. But the joy in attaining a goal is well worth the patient, consistent effort required. What are you working toward?

Turning 40

Today, I turn 40. Lots of people seem to struggle with turning 40. I'm not there. At least not yet. Maybe it's because I've been amazingly blessed. A wonderful wife. Two super sons. I love my job (almost all the time). The future is bright. God is good. No, make that great.

And now that I'm 40, I'm a man. I've always loved this video. It means so much more today.

Watch video here.

Life Lessons From the Playground

Over the past several weeks, I've been able to visit several playgrounds and play areas with my sons. I've been there to provide the standard parental supervision while throwing in the occasional "be careful". But while I've been watching, my sons have been teaching me some things. Some life lessons. Because what I've learned applies to most areas of life. Here are some life lessons my sons have been teaching me:

1. My sons don't notice and use standard assessment tools that adults often notice. They're just looking for other kids to play with; they don't notice height, weight, gender, skin color, age or how someone is dressed.

2. Parker helps the smaller kids. He'll play with the big kids if they'll let him. If not, he has fun anyway.

3. If only one other child is playing on the playground, Parker and Turner make sure to meet them. No one should have to play alone unless they want to.

4. My sons continue to develop new and interesting ways to think and use things creatively. Even things they've used repeatedly.

5. When they see something new, possibly a new piece of playground equipment like a new slide or a rock wall, they'll assess it and then give it a try. They've learned that change can be good. New things can be okay, sometimes better than the old thing.

Here's The Point: I'm guessing you can apply some of these life lessons in your world too.

Big Guy Weekend

We began a new tradition a couple of weekends ago. It was our first ever "Big Guy Weekend" (when you say Big Guy Weekend, you have to use a booming announcer voice for best effect). Here's the premise: Parker turned five in February and begins kindergarten this month. He's a big guy now. So he and I took a Friday and Saturday road trip to Nashville to spend some time together (just us big guys, Tonya and Turner stayed home- Turner will be a big guy soon enough) and we did lots of things that Parker loves to do.

Early Friday morning we left home for Nashville- destination, the Nashville Zoo. After several hours there, it was on to the Tennessee State Museum with a quick tour of the State Capitol Building and then a drive-by of LP Field on our way to Rainforest Cafe for dinner. Saturday morning meant continental breakfast at our hotel (we love the small cereal packages) and then back to the Nashville Zoo and its amazing playground for a bit longer before heading home on Saturday afternoon.

The time spent one on one, with just Parker, was invaluable. We talked about all sorts of things and sang songs in the car as loud as we wanted to. He received my undivided attention for about 36 hours. Every son needs that sometimes. So does every Dad.

Here's The Point: In Ephesians 5:16, we are reminded to be wise and "redeem the time". Making priceless memories with my son falls into that category.

Planning for the Future

I read this Greek proverb a few days ago:

A society grows great when old men plant trees whose shade they know they shall never sit in.

As time goes on, I want to become one of those men.

More Than Just Paul

I've been reading and studying through the book of Acts for some time now. I've studied through it previously but I've noticed something recently that I've overlooked before. I usually think of Acts as having the following "outline":

Chapter 1: The Ascension of Jesus
Chapter 2: Day of Pentecost
Chapters 3-8: The Early Church
Chapters 9-28: Paul's Conversion and Ministry
I often think that Acts is basically a book about the ministry of the Apostle Paul.

But what I've seen clearly in recent days is that Acts is filled with many, mostly unknown, people (people you don't hear sermons or lessons about) who boldly and daily walked with God. These people served with, served in place of, walked with and suffered with Paul. Just in chapters 17-20 we learn of people like Jason, Dionysius, Damaris, Justus, Apollos, Crispus, Gaius, Aristarchus, Secundus, Tychicus, Trophimus and Erastus.

Here's The Point: Even though the ministry of Paul seems to be featured and much is written about him (of course he was also beaten, stoned, shipwrecked and in multiple other perilous situations- read 2 Corinthians 11) many other people contributed to the rapid, worldwide spread of the Good News of Jesus Christ. Maybe they didn't write letters to churches that became books of the New Testament but, nonetheless, God worked through them in amazing ways . How is He working through you?

Take a Look Around

Stop for just a moment. Right where you are. Right now.

You may be at a desk at work or at home in a comfy chair. Maybe you're watching TV or possibly you're at school or in the library. Wherever you are at this moment, take a look around.

Each of us has been abundantly blessed by God. Let's remember to be thankful.

If You're Going to Represent

If you are going to wear a Christian t-shirt or a t-shirt with your church's name on it to the mall or to the grocery store or to an amusement park, please watch what you say and how you say it. Be courteous. Don't be rude. Don't just stop in the middle of the aisle or the sidewalk and block the flow of people all around you. Don't scream at your children and slap them in anger (actually don't do that anywhere).

If you are going to have a Christian bumper sticker or an ichthus fish on your car , please obey all speed laws. Please use your turn signal. Drive courteously. Stop at the stop signs, don't just yield. Watch the road rage.

If you are going to advertise for Him, represent Him well.