My friend Rick is spending the day with his son Mitchell to celebrate his 10th birthday. He gave his boy a double surprise: 1. He showed up unexpectedly at school and grabbed him (with a heads-up to the admin staff) for a day of fun, and 2. He showed up in a red 2012 Mustang rental, which he had delivered on special order from the airport lot.
Turns out Mitchell loves Ford Mustangs (I find nothing wrong with his taste) so Rick decided he was going to fan the flame a bit. I love that he’s doing that for his son. It communicates at least 3 important messages:
- “It’s OK for guys to feel emotions other than anger; it’s OK to feel joy.”
- “I see what you enjoy and want to share it with you.”
- “I will go out of my way to celebrate who you are, even at a price.
Well, OK, one more message: “Son, we don’t always get what we want in life.”
How do you think Mitchell feels about his Dad’s choice? Look at that smile.
Later today Rick will share with Mitchell some lessons from I Cor. 16:13, 14, one of the best passages for men in the Bible.
Well done, Rick. But next time go for Shelby Cobra GT500. And invite me.
My greatest joy in life is my family. I know, that sounds like the comment you’re supposed to make as a man and father. All I can say is I literally shake my head in wonder at the family I have: my wife Beryl; my daughter Barclay and son-in-law Vince, their four daughters, Bella, Brynn, Brooke and Blake; my son Alec, my son Conor and daughter-in-law Bonnie, their daughter Gemma and son Calvin. Every one of them is a genuine gift. Beyond that, I have a calling that I live out through Peregrine Ministries. It is to help men: Understand their identity in Christ, Embrace their role as men, and Live out their God-given calling in life. Bottom line is I’m convinced men matter and I want to help them live life on purpose.