The Stars

My Son Spencer has been going through a rough time and it is the first time in our relationship that I felt like I just cant fix the problem. Life changes quickly for little kids and there is so much to take in, learn and remember. I was at Bible study and was reminded that Jesus actually believes that we can be like him. It was an amazing moment and then I realized that for most of us, we spend a great deal of time trying to measure up to people who we want to impress but it is a waste of effort.

I began to reflect on my son's eyes. I see a little boy who is uncertain, but knows he is loved. I see a boy who wants to be like dad. I see a boy who wants to be included and loved--who is dying for dad's approval. I don't give it enough--and it makes me ache inside because I am so proud of him. How can I communicate to him the depth of my love and that I believe in him with all my heart that he can be so much more that I will ever be.

Last night after Bible study I figured that he would be in bed fast asleep and I wanted to tell him I loved him--I got home and was surprised to find him awake, bright-eyed and was greeted by "Hi, my favorite dad!" I just had to chuckle.

We talked a little and I put him to bed. Not 10 minutes later he was back out looking for me--still wide awake and it was getting late.

"Dad, I need to see the stars!" he said. I couldn't turn down the request. We went out on the steps and looked at the stars together. We talked about how they twinkle and shine. Then he said, "Dad, I wish I could see a shooting star!"

We spotted the flashing light of an airplane in the distance--it blinked red, then blue and then red again. Not 10 seconds later right below the flashing light was a shooting star. We were both surprised! It was one of those moments where you glance over at the other person and ask each other, "did that really happen?" We both smiled and he took my hand and said we could go back inside.

The whole encounter only was about 3 minutes long. But I was amazed at what took place in those short three minutes. Nights looking at the stars on porches are important moments for dad's and little boys.

Watching the stars,

Chad