Being Brave

As a baby, our middle son, fell in love with dogs. When he got a little older, he would talk about them all the time; he really wanted our family to get a dog. This was a problem, because ironically, he was terrified of being in the same room with any dogs that were not stuffed or named Blue.

So we were a little concerned about my parents visit, because they were bringing both of their dogs. For the first few hours he wanted nothing to do with either of the dogs and then out of no where, it was as if he conquered his fear and from that moment on, Oscar was his buddy. I was so proud of him; because at the age of three, he met a fear head on. It is weird to see your baby do such a big boy thing!

The day my parents left, he told Oscar he was going to miss him. It made my heart sink a little to know that his friend had to go home, but I was so happy that he enjoyed his time with him. Maybe now we can get our own pet - just waiting for the go ahead from the hubby (we are wearing him down - slowly)! :o)

Tonight a few streets over (at his friend's house), our oldest is engaging in his own act of bravery. About three weeks ago, he came home from school with his first sleep over birthday invitation. He was so happy and full of energy, but instead of being excited for his big step of independence, I was worried.

Will he be scared when it is time to turn out the lights?
Will he make the right choices when faced with things he knows is wrong?
Will his innocence be shattered by things or issues we have not taught him yet?
Will he be safe and protected?

As these fears swirled through my head, Proverbs 3:5-6 came to mind and that calmed me down for maybe a day or two.

This afternoon, he told me that he was very excited, but also a little nervous. He realized, that for the first time, he would be on his own. That is when it hit me - it is not my job to be with my boys all the time or mine to protect them. Jeremy and I are to teach them what is right, to bestow spiritual truth for them to lean on in good and bad times and to instill in them that they are never alone because God is always there to guide them. Then I am to pray that through each stage of independence or steps of bravery, that they will trust God and lean on what they have learned. I know God will use each of these moments to make them into the men He has planned for them to be.

Wow - that was easy to type - check on me in a few years and see how I am doing with the follow through!

Be strong and brave. Don't be afraid of them and don't be frightened, because the Lord your God will go with you. He will not leave you or forget you." Deuteronomy 31:6