He is our only son; compassionate, caring, and sensitive. His heart is as pure as I know. His mind still so innocent.
As much as I know all of this, I also know the realities waiting in the world. The world that will want to change him. To change his heart and mind. There is so much this generation faces in their youth. It's not that past generations didn't have the same challenges, they just seem to come younger and stronger now. Addictions to so many things...drugs, alcohol, pornography, fame, gambling, material possessions. The list is infinite. It scares me how much corruption our children can be exposed to and how innocently it can happen. Its such a reality that can't be ignored.
I keep thinking about these words from Need to Breathe.
Ramblers in the wilderness we can't find what we need
Get a little restless from the searching
Get a little worn down in between
Like a bull chasing the matador is the man left to his own schemes
Everybody needs someone beside them shining like a lighthouse from the sea
Brother let me be your shelter
I'll never leave you all alone
I can be the one you call
When you're low
Brother let me be your fortress
When the night winds are driving on
Be the one to light the way
Bring you home
More than ever, I believe it is so important for our children to have godly influences in their lives as friends. We can guide and direct our children, but there comes a time that friends and peers begin to play a huge role in their world. My prayer is that our son and each of our girls will have friends who they can count on to be "their shelter." Friends, that will be there to "light the way and bring them home" should they start to get off God's path for their lives. Additionally, I pray that each of our children can be Christ's light to those they are around. As the song says, "everyone needs someone beside them shining like a lighthouse from the sea"