Horrifying and Exciting, All at the Same Time

The other night we watched Jurassic Park with the boys. At the end P1 described it as "horrifying and exciting all at the same time."

I had one of those parenting moments a few days ago, a glimpse into who my child will become, "horrifying and exciting all at the same time."

P1 and I were out running errands without the littles. I let him sit in the front passenger seat so that we could have real conversation. At some point, we were talking about them (the kids) as grown ups. How siblings relate to each other as adults. How you are there for your brother & sister when they really need you (planting hopeful, prayerful seeds).

Don't remember the exact path of the conversation, but I said, "I see P2 as the guy that is a ski instructor in the mountains during the winter and a lifeguard at the beach during the summer. He loves the outdoors and loves being with people." P1 immediately said, "Well, what do you see me doing?"

Wow. Pause. Big opportunity here. To speak truth. To cast vision. Quick prayer, "God, let me say the right words." Okay, answer.

"Well, I see two possibilities. I know you will be a scientist. You have felt that call since you were a young child. So, one thing, I could see you as a researcher and teacher or professor -"

"Oh, no. No, no, no. I am NOT a teacher. That is NOT what I am going to do," he answers.

Nevermind you come from a long line of teachers, but whatever ...

"Okay. Well ... the other thing I see is you being a missionary, but I don't mean a missionary that goes just to preach and evangelize. I mean the kind of missionary that goes into a community and makes a difference, like a civil engineer, by helping them build roads or hospitals, by digging wells or -"

"OH! And as I help them dig the wells I can teach them that Jesus is the Living Water. Or if I teach them how to grow better crops, I can tell them about Jesus being the Bread of Life. I can teach them about God & His Love by helping meet their needs!"

Yep, horrifying and exciting all at the same time ... I think I just saw this kid's calling. The same kid, who at the age of 6 yrs, said, "When am I gonna get my passport? I need to go to China."

Thank You, Lord, for this child and the vision and passion for the needs of others around the world that You have given him. Please light his path and keep him close to you throughout his journey. Amen.