Transparent Christian Magazine

I had a great weekend recently! I took my son on our first camping trip with his cub scout troop. We had just about as much fun as a father and son could have in a day. He shot a BB gun, and a bow, got to fish, play with fire, hike and whittle sticks. When I called my wife on the way home she said “what did he make with all of that whittling?” I laughingly replied… “A spear of course, he’s a 9 year old boy!”

While sitting in the dark night around the bright campfire, after he had fallen asleep, I started hearing the whispers in my head. It was the almost inaudible voice that I hear when I’m in crowds of people who are a bit different then me.  These are flannel wearing men, that know how to fold a tent correctly and start a fire from scratch.

The voice said “you don’t quite fit in with these folks“.

I shook that off and prayed and started focusing my mind on the flickering fire, and the awesome time I was having with Logan.

In the morning when our troop leader asked if someone wanted to bless our breakfast, I politely waited a moment, and volunteered.  I prayed out loud for everyone that was in our group, thanked God for the amazing time we had, and asked for some protection for our families and our travel.  A few minutes later, one of the other fathers pulled me aside and asked me if I had any formal ministry training because I sounded like I prayed quite a bit. I smiled and said ‘no’ and that I pray quite often, and I seem to have lots of opportunities to pray with and for others.

Later, while reflecting back over my time at the fire, I thought about scouting, and leadership, expectations, and the future, and about what I wanted for my son as he gets older. I made a mental list of things… Not all inclusive for sure, but a good start…

I want him to hear different voices than I do.

I want him to be fierce like a warrior in defending himself and others.

I want him to pursue positive passions.

I want him to lean towards idealism.

I want him to ask questions when he doesn’t understand something.

I want him to question authority and tradition (even mine).

I want him to be kind and show God’s love to others.

I want him to make good decisions, especially when faced with challenges.

I want him to find joy in music and peace in Jesus.

I want him to fall in love and treat that person with respect.

I want him to care less about what other people think, and more about his relationships with friends, family and God.

I want him to feel comfortable praying for himself and others.

Love,
Jason