Daddy's Boy

Over the last few weeks, we've seen our 3 1/2 year old son Cannon start to act like a little boy. He's progressed from the toddler stage to a young lad who can express his thoughts more clearly, who displays his thought processes in his face, who has started reasoning with his sisters for things rather than trying to fight for them. He understands enough about his environment to begin the onset of "why" questions. Additionally, his conceptual grasp of the interests of males and females has begun to manifest. He has realized that he doesn't enjoy playing beauty shop, dolls, or coloring mermaids and princesses anymore. What he wants is to play trucks, ball, and to wrestle. Unfortunately, no one is around during the day to play those things with him. He piles up the balls, cars, and his cowboy boots for dad to play with him when dad walks in the front door in the evening. The two of us have developed a pretty deep bond the last few months as our baby Anniston has aged into a toddler from a baby. He's the man of the house during the day.

A couple of weeks ago, we were picking up his baseball bat and balls in the backyard and he said,"Daddy, I don't want to grow up anymore." Curious, I asked him why. He said that he wanted to ensure I still played with him. I assured my son that I would always play with him. He concluded our chore by telling me in his high-pitched quiet voice,"Daddy, how do I be like you?" Of course my chest puffed out and my head swelled up, until I realized this was only a 3 year old. That being said, I simply told him to just be the sweet caring boy he was.

Over the course of the last couple of weeks, I have reflected on that evening often during the work days. As we begin to celebrate our country's Independence Day, and the freedoms that we enjoy in America, I think about what Cannon was truly asking. What he was telling me was that he embraced the times we spend together. He cherishes those, but not more than I. Laura says that he spends the hours of the day asking when Daddy will come home. When I am gone, he acts up more often; he relishes the one-on-one quality time we pass together. As much as he pushes the boundaries that we have established, he thrives in the security of his dependence.

I wonder why I often fail to seek the security of God's perimeter. Why do I so frequently feel compelled to step outside the warmth and light of His arms? In my heart, mind, and soul I know that where He placed me feels the best and I am most comfortable. However, I sometimes push outside. God instilled in each of us the power of choice and the freedom to individualize. We are natural seekers. But why can't we wever be satisfied roaming in the gates he has established for us?

I drive through rural Kansas weekly for my job. I look out and see cattle content in their designated fenced in areas. As a kid, we installed an electric fence for our dogs. We divided the yard in half and ran the wire around the bottom of the fence and straight across the middle of the yard. My dad had the wire "hot" for about 3 months. After that, he unplugged it. I asked him why he did that. He replied that dogs had been stung enough times by the electric wire that they understood where to run around and play now. Haven't we each been stung enough times in our lives to be satisfied not trying to jump the fence or to dig under it? If a dog can figure it out, I gotta believe I can!

Further, not only did Cannon ask how to be like me, Laura and I both see him try and emulate several of my actions and words throughout the days. You all see them too in your kids. He wants to be like his daddy and tries his hardest based upon what he sees and hears. We often say we want to be like our heavenly father, but how hard and consistently do we try? We read the scriptures and talk with him and our hearts listen to the Spirit, but often we have our own way.

During this Independence Day holiday weekend, please reflect on the great triumphs of our country, the service men and women who continue making sacrifices for us all. Additionally, take the time to reflect on our Dependence. We are free to make choices, but so dependent on Him for peace, comfort, and strength. Why not choose to stay where we are the most comfortable, secure, and warm---in the light of His glory and love.