Boyhood

I am not ready for my little boy to grow up. What parent truly is. By nine years old many of us parents are treading these early elementary years never having wanted to fully let go of those precious preschool years. They are now full-fledged school children, and often I personally become so wrapped up in the academics that I just want to sit back and relax.

We're at that time of the year thankfully where summer is coming. The warm weather finally is arriving for us and I just want to see him romp, roar, and explore childhood further. I want him to go to camp this year in order to experience nature, and to be a boy scout, to play baseball, soccer, football, to climb trees, ride bikes, swim, and do all those things that stretch him to build his body and mind through the great outdoors!

As well I look forward to seeing him apply the problem solving skills, he has been practicing at the math table... actually practiced through fort building, etc. and exploring nature in a hands-on way versus only reading about it in books. Yes, I long to see him discover and combat any paralyzing fears with the reality of evil. To earnestly ploy, confront, and pursue courageous boyhood through the duals that are imagined in the realms of a young boy who tirelessly re-enacts the peril of a jedi-knight.

In addition, I want to continue to quench his interest in good, engaging literature on the blanket in the grass where we stare, and get lost in the clouds, and to stimulate his musically minded thoughts by keeping his song of praise in his heart, and at his fingertips on the piano; which I do hope remains an old, dear friend in years to come.

With such a full quiver of his own, it's hard for me to believe that his mind will begin to think on things such as girls, the human body, and the emotions that come along with these times. Though I think our young darling daughter who seems to boldly think on such matters of the heart will awaken any naivety, "shyness," and stretch his comfort level so that he will not want to be left behind on such matters of knowledge. Though I do pray for healthy nourishing for he is a sensitive boy and a cutie (okay, maybe a little bias,) and once these thoughts do awaken, his knowledge could soon transition naturally stirring his emotions.

So while I know the season is coming, in the mean time I hope to reinforce my love for him, our love for him and each other, (his father and I) and our love for God. Oh that he would discover a richer, deeper love with his Heavenly Father and that I could demonstrate a walk toward holiness as I seek to sincerely and faithfully grow with my Lord and Savior.

And, you know, he may not be quick to ask those questions. But, his curiosity will stir him; and I want to be there for him fostering an environment that is safe, warm, affirming, and ready in whatever way he needs me and his dad to be.