Twenty years ago, I practiced archery somewhat seriously. Though I never hunted, I spent lots of hours at archery ranges killing paper, tuning my bow, honing my skills. (Ewww... does that sound like Napoleon Dynamite??) The camp staff offered archery this weekend and both of my sons had a good time on the field. In this set, all the arrows landed in the gold. I think it was the best we saw that on that particular day. I have another photo with his partner, but here we're focusing on Levi (S1).
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What I like about the photo is that it says we show our loved ones in the best possible light. Are these shots representative of how he always does? Not necessarily, but it's how I present him, because I want to build him up and influence others to think the best of him..
And now, did you know that the pros I used to shoot with gave me a nickname? They used to call me Lightnin'... something 'bout how lightnin' don't strike the same spot twice..
Psalm 127:4 says, "Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one's youth." For me, it is simpler to hit the little yellow spot on a piece of paper than to rightly "aim" my children. The idea is that we can compare a warrior's arrows and a parent's children in that they both are designed to have an impact to a place beyond our reach. We spend years straightening out the bends and discerning where to point them, so that when the time comes to release them, we hold our breath and watch them fly.
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11 comments:
Nice post! I bet your son is proud to have you for a dad.
it is a challenge to launch our kids isn't it? but you're a loving dad giving them a good foundation, which is so much more than many kids get. i'm putting my money on bullseyes in this regard ;)
Nice post Craver of your son.
Lightning, lol - Flash Gordon.
As much as we love our children , when they become adopted children of the Lord, the Lord loves them much more then we do. And even before they come to salvation God is drawing them.
It may take a few years, however, "All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out. ...No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him. And I will raise him up on the last day."-Jesus, the Bread of life.
EG and Lime, I hope so. But reality is that I'm just a regular dad and every bit a knucklehead as the next guy.
Thanks Imac. I felt that the low res, b & w gave him a good, rugged look. So you're "Flash" Gordon because of taking pics, right? Not bad.
That is a mystery Sandman, that anyone would be loved so much, especially by a holy God. Sometimes I sit and ponder grace, and it blows my mind. And it's a comfort to know that a parent can't mess things up so badly that his children are beyond God's reach.
Craver: That is some nice shooting, I used to do that but I did go after deer. I had some funny hunts. You can only direct your children, they will find their own path.
"Funny" hunts Fishing Guy?? I've that hunts can be cold, boring, frustrating (it seems I've heard more negative than positive), but this is the first time I've heard of hunts being funny. I'll keep an eye out for those stories if you care to share.
I feel very safe, now that I know how to use a bow. I could adequately defend my family if ever attacked by a stationary target with concentric circles positioned exactly twenty yards away. ;-)
good post, craver.
makes me think of my oldest going off to start grad school, and living on her own in an apartment.
woosh! there she goes!
great work with the photo, too.
Definitely hold our breath, but only by being parents can we let them fly. I love what you said about showing them in their best light. I read something like that when I was in high school or college--LONG before I had children, but I have never forgotten it. (I think it goes for spouse's, too!)
Terrific post!
You have a good looking boy there. You must be very proud of him but then I am sure he is very proud of you.
Thanks nAncY. I hope the visits with your daughter are refreshing and delightful.
Louise, maybe someone can pack that idea in children's books, so they start early; whaddya think?
He's a good kid, Denise. He has surprised me (positively) numerous times.
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