“Masculinity is bestowed. A boy learns who he is and what he’s got from a man, or the company of men. He cannot learn it any other place. He cannot learn it from other boys, and he cannot learn it from the world of women. The plan from the beginning of time was that his father would lay the foundation for a young boy’s heart, and pass on to him that essential knowledge and confidence in his strength. Dad would be the first man in his life, and forever the most important man. Above all, he would answer the question, Do I have what it takes? Am I a man? for his son and give him his name. Throughout the history of man given to us in Scripture, it is the father who gives the blessing and thereby ‘names’ the son.” —JOHN ELDRIDGE, Wild at Heart
Dear Malakai,
It’s amazing to see you grow. It’s amazing to watch you become the person you are supposed to be. I must say there’s a lot that I’ve had to learn and I’m still learning about you with each moment we get to spend with each other. I must confess, I’ve taken quite a bit of it for granted and would like to put it on the record that daddy is going to ask and seek God on how to better raise you and then go and do it.
I’ve learnt that physical presence has nothing on intimate presence. I’ve learnt that when I smile at you it affirms to you that I’m happy with you. I’ve learnt that what you really need from me is my attention to the many discoveries you are making as you grow. Son, I’m sorry that I’ve dropped the ball at this point. I want to and will change to be more intimately involved in your growth so you know how much I love you.
Maybe one day as you read this you will look back and be able to pinpoint countless moments that I was there listening, learning , loving, and smiling with you.
I love you my son.
Daddy
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