Yesterday I cut my son’s hair down to nubs. He has been wanting to have hair like mine for a while and now that Tara’s is also short he pretty much insisted. So I did it and he admires it often, rubbing it, enjoying whiskers for the first time in his life. Today he asked, “Dad, can I have the spaces on top like you have?” He pointed on his head to where my receding hair has created the “spaces” he referred to. “That will come later, son.”
Lewis has no idea that what he asks for. To his little eyes, it seems cool. But he doesn’t see what I’ve paid to have this hair. I was born with certain genes, was weathered with sun and wind, was stressed to provide for my wife and family, and once I had children, I pulled some of it straight out.
The appeal of something could easily be quenched by the cost. The cost of freedom is not for the faint of heart. Some have fled. The appeal of high paying jobs is often quenched by the cost or rigors of the schooling. The appeal of being a good athlete is quenched by the training that is involved.
The road to Godly character is paved with trials. I’ve naively asked for this character over the years, like a child wanting to be like his father. It appeals to me, even though others may see it like a balding head. And now I am being refined in a new way, and it hurts. And if I had counted the cost prior to asking, I may have never asked for it.
Perspectives From The Tree Tops 
Well written….. and so true.
2 Kings 2:23 This one’s for you, Jay.
Jay, I’m really not sure but I think Moses had some idea of how difficult of task that God was asking him to take on…and he didn’t want to do it. You’re in good company. Just praying for you guys to keep getting reminders that Jesus knows your situation through and through, He will never leave or forsake you, and He has overcome this world. That is our hope.
Precious is the picture of a boy who wants to be just like his daddy…..even if it includes a receding hairline! 🙂
1 Peter 4:12-13
Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial among you, which cometh upon you to prove you, as though a strange thing happened unto you: but insomuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings, rejoice; that at the revelation of his glory also ye may rejoice with exceeding joy.
Amen.
So true, Jay … so true.
The innocence of a child has much to teach us all. Little Lewis most likely won’t know the full extent of this trial, pain and suffering most likely until he is older. It sometimes is very painful, I agree, to be honed and sharpened to be like our Father and it is not for the faint at heart. Phillipians 3:14 tells us this…I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus…no matter how that looks to us. Keep pressing on toward that goal…its a high calling!!
Exodus 15:2 The LORD is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation; this is my God, and I will praise him, my father’s God, and I will exalt him.
Psalm 18:32-34 the God who equipped me with strength and made my way blameless. He made my feet like the feet of a deer and set me secure on the heights. He trains my hands for war, so that my arms can bend a bow of bronze.
2 Timothy 4:17 But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed…
I pray for you all, the strength that you need and desire to fully proclaim Christ’s message to those who desperately need it and those faint of heart.
Read more: http://www.whatchristianswanttoknow.com/bible-verses-about-strength-25-encouraging-scripture-quotes/#ixzz2PKtpe5oH
Read more: http://www.whatchristianswanttoknow.com/bible-verses-about-strength-25-encouraging-scripture-quotes/#ixzz2PKtfmRyw
Read more: http://www.whatchristianswanttoknow.com/bible-verses-about-strength-25-encouraging-scripture-quotes/#ixzz2PKtZ2bJs
Hey kids! We are up at the MOA bonding with youngest child Kendall! We have all decided that we are grossly out of shape! Our room.is a small suite with ample supply of planes taking off and landing at the airport! The sun is shining bright and. Enjoying peace and quiet! After having a little R&R going to venture out for supper and check out the Ikea store! Enjoy your week with the kiddos! Thinking and.praying for you all often!