Son-Ship

 

joshmatt2 You don't raise heroes, you raise sons. And if you treat them like sons, they'll turn out to be heroes, even if it's just in your own eyes. ~Walter M. Schirra, Sr.

I’ve started this post over and over in my mind…but it’s difficult to write when you heart won’t stop and muse on just one emotion. So…I’m just going to write and see what comes out. It’s raw exposure time…I hope you’ll bear with me.

When I became a father 23 years ago I never imagined the range of changes my heart would go through, even so, you think I be used to the roller coaster effect by now. Yeah right…I’m still riding this thing but I’m not sure if my heart is going up, down or through some loop du jour…perhaps all three.

I’m not looking forward to this Saturday; my house will be missing two men for most of the year. I am happy for them…thrilled that they have two wonderful adventures unfolding before their young men eyes. That’s the up part, the “go get em” part of my father’s heart. The down part is wondering if I have done enough in getting them ready for their journey. There is part of me that worries about my mistakes and how that will hinder their growth…that’s the loop de jour part.

Josh, my oldest, has been on his journey for awhile now (2 years)…Matthew is set to leave on Friday. Then on Saturday my heart will stretch once again. Long distance fathering is hard and I’m not sure how good I really am at it…but they are worth the effort of improving that skill set. I have a saying that I use with my boys/men when we talk about challenges and this occasion fits.

This is the way of men…this is the way of sons.

Joshua and Matt…I am so proud of you. I am glad you are my sons, that you bear my name and the name of the Father. I will miss your presence on a daily basis but will rejoice that you are on the journey God has for you. I have no doubt that you will succeed and flourish according to your willingness to surrender all to Him. The example you set for your brothers and sisters is huge, the influence you live out in front of friends and others is beyond your understanding. I know you have what it takes…you have the heart, the passion and the God given ability to make a difference in this world.

I believe in you…so does the Father…go get em’!

Love, Dad

 

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Comments

Bill (cycleguy) said…
No way they are your sons. They have too much hair. :) Other than that, go get 'em dad! The fruit of your labor will come clear before your eyes.
Jay Cookingham said…
LOL Bill...that's a fact that they remind me of often! Bless ya bro'!
Mike said…
I have a happy envy for my two that are 19 and 22. There are so many things I would change if I had a do over, but I believe their mother and I with a lot of help from God have given them a good start. I'm sure you've done the same.
Jay Cookingham said…
That's the secret bro'...the Father's help!
jasonS said…
Awesome! I'm cheering you all on, Jay! I'll be happy to receive your best advice in the distant future. I know it'll be here before I know it. :)
Jay Cookingham said…
I know you have a few years to go bro' but they go fast! So enjoy and delight in them now (as I know you do) and when it gets to the launching stage you'll be ready to send them! Thanks Bro'!
Floyd Samons said…
The word bittersweet falls woefully short of describing that emotion of joy and pride, mixed with sadness and inevitable separation. What a blessing God is in your family Jay... That started through you... Thanks for being the example in heart and action of a good dad and husband.


I'm praying for Joshua and Matt. God is mighty in them Jay. Let the joy, thankfulness, and pride in Him be the strongest of the bittersweet moment.


My hearts bittersweet with you my brother.
Michael said…
I rejoice with you, Jay, as this somewhat new chapter in your life continues unfolding. If "like father, like son" is a truism, you've little to worry. The best father role models aren't the ones that make no mistakes but rather the ones who love with a fierce determination. The former are of little benefit to their sons as their boys will make mistakes of their own and won't know how to handle them. But the father who is imperfect, and yet loves them by loving the Father that made them all, equips his sons with an example worth following.
There is part of me that worries about my mistakes and how that will hinder their growth…Me, too, Jay, with my own sons. And then I remember that God's grace and love covers over all and He loves them so much more than I do.

Your father's heart towards your sons is truly beautiful and living proof of how amazing God is. Your sons are VERY blessed to have a dad like you. Job well done and well doing, my brother! :) Thanks for sharing your heart in such a vulnerable way. I truly respect that.
Jay Cookingham said…
Thanks Sheila, I appreciate your insight and your heart. The Father's grace has covered many things...a fact I'm very grateful about.
Jay Cookingham said…
So true my brother...I am blessed to know my sons well...and that they know their Heavenly Father well. That will help us further navigate the journey ahead of us. Thanks Michael!
Jay Cookingham said…
It sure is a bittersweet moment this Saturday morning but I am at peace. I love sending my sons off on their quests...even though there is some pain of separation. Thanks for your prayers my brother!
Joanne Norton said…
Seed planting is one of the main aspects of our lives as parents [or g-parents]. The Holy Spirit can cause the seed to explode into significant healthy growth or a bit more slowly so the roots grow more and more strongly and deeply. And all WE can do is trust HIM. [As independent, hard-working parents, that can be tough, too. Oh, well...]
Jay Cookingham said…
I so trust that the Father helps me plant the right seeds into the lives of my kids...then the fruit can be totally glorifying to Him. Thanks Joanne!

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