14 Oct A Letter to My Son: Real Men Walk with a Limp

My sweet boy,

I am watching you closely these days. Watching you crawl confidently all over creation, cracking open drawers and dressers, cabinets and bags with the joy and delight of someone discovering long lost treasure.

You are curious and crafty in your wandering and why oh why do you always seem to find the one missing lego piece or the dime in the corner and decide that yes, of course, these things belong in your mouth?

I’m watching you closely these days, my son. Not only because of what you’re getting into but also because of what you are about to do.

You are on the brink of walking…and my heart pounds with anticipation of the joy that will come in watching you take your first steps.

This developmental milestone is imminent. We have seen you take one step or two and then tumble over onto your knees again to find that happy place where you can move fast and free.

My Son, It’s Okay to Stumble

I want to encourage and cheer you on as you hesitate, then cautiously take a step forward, “It’s okay! You can do it! Keep trying!“ I want tell you it’s okay to stumble and fall because that is the only way people learn to walk. 

Once you begin to walk, there is no stopping you from running. But watch where you run, my son. God has placed beautiful, open fields in this world and also busy city streets. Ponder your path before proceeding.

And as you grow and mature into a young man, these feet that you clumsily totter on now will no doubt carry you to some amazing, beautiful, terrible, exciting, unique places.

My Son, You Will Always Need a Guide

Regardless of your stage of life, you will always need a guide. Proverbs will tell you, “My child, listen and be wise:
Keep your heart on the right course…listen to your father…and mother….Get the truth and never sell it; also get wisdom, discipline, and good judgment” (Proverbs 23:19, 23).

Your father and I will guide you as you take your first steps in the next few weeks and we will also be here to guide you in the ways of Christ: knowing God, learning His Word, growing in wisdom.

Even when you are much older, wiser, stronger, and confident – remember this, my son – You will always need a guide as you walk through this world. Let Christ be your guide.

You may not know the next step, but He always does. Hold His hand always and let Him lead you. Even if you end up leading others remember that your first job is always to follow your Maker.

My Son, Real Men Walk With a Limp

“And Jacob was left alone. And a man wrestled with him until the breaking of the day” (Genesis 22:32).

There will come turning points, hard times, breaking moments in your life where you will be left alone – just you and God.

You may come to wrestle for an answer, a blessing, a touch of healing, a word of deliverance.

He is after something far greater: He’s come to touch your weakest places and change your name…your character.

Because it’s impossible to encounter God and stay the same.

You will walk with a limp, but you will gain a new name and likeness- His likeness.

My son, as you take your first steps in the next few weeks, I pray for you. I pray that you will walk in the ways of truth and righteousness, that you would run to support the needy and the weary, that you would use your strength to protect and defend the innocent, that your little feet will one day carry the good news of the gospel to places near and far.

And in everything that comes your way in this walk of life, I pray that you will learn to take delight in your weaknesses, limps, and difficulties – for where you are weak, God can be strong.

Love,

Mommy