As of today we are three weeks into our journey. In that length of time we have accomplished two rather important feats. The first feat being the formation of an outline for the journey, while the second is the beginning leg of my son’s journey. In order to stay somewhat true to our Hobbit story, you might say that we gathered at Bilbo’s house and formulated a plan. One week and three days ago, we left the house headed along the path of “rite of passage.” This initial step will take us about 13-weeks to complete. To date, my son has memorized one of his seven verses, working on the second one while identifying two of his six verses to memorize. He has read one chapter each day from the Old Testament book of Proverbs—some days we read it together. We have pieced together a legend for our map, identifying two markings—the Man Mirror and the Wisdom Well. We have discovered six traits of being a man and eight characteristics that define him. These two items are now part of our daily conversation. I am encouraged to say that there have been a few times in the past three-weeks that I have been able to point out to my son reasons why these things are so important. Due to an “unexpected” incident in our family, I have been able to model for my son what we have been talking about. On one occasion I have been able to confide in him with a matter that affects our family. I would love to tell that story, but it would not appropriate. What I can tell you is that I have been very encouraged by son’s perception of the matter—must be doing something right! There are yet many things to be decided, many paths to yet be determined. As the father of this 12-year old son, I can tell you that I am amazed at the bonding that I see taking place right before my eyes.
Another thought worth mentioning. I am becoming aware that as this bonding is taking shape, that I have a decision to make. Do I use this time to shape my son into the person I think he should be, or do I rather use this time to help him be shaped into the man he is supposed to me? I would be less than truthful if I didn’t tell you that a temptation is present to push for the former, but in my heart I know that I am to assist with the latter. I will update you on that progress.
