Boys To Men!

One of the things that has been rewarding to do as a father is to try to be very intentional with my son Yusef in putting characteristics into his life that will serve him well as a man.  For his 11th birthday I took he and 2 other boys on a camping trip.  I set up a scavenger hunt for the boys.  The goal was for them to find 4 gifts that were hidden along the trail, using a compass and directions that I had written prior.  Each gift reflected one face of manhood, king, warrior, lover and friend.  I also asked the boys to memorize the 4 faces and the corresponding characteristic.
The King leads with integrity and the gift was a compass because as a man he will need to lead.
The Warrior fights for what matters most and the gift was 3 arrows that represent the fact that a man should know what is worth fighting for and have courage to to battle.
The Lover shows tender care to those in his life and the gift was a first aid kit because a man should care for others.
The Friend pursues character shaping relationships and the gift was a hatchet because he can use tools to help others in life if he knows how to use them.
I grew up without a dad and I have dealt with the hurt caused by that and now it is only a clean scar because I know that God is a good Father and He will guide me to be a good father, husband and leader as He is! 

I am proud of you Yusef!  I am thankful that God saved you when you were born in Syria and I enjoy seeing His life shine through you!  Dad