We were outside playing and pulling weeds. Then, we decided to fill the watering cans.
“Flowers need to be strong!” His little nose wrinkled up when he said it, and he flexed a tiny fist.
I thought only of the bright fuschias, reds and pinks in our meager flower beds. Strength just didn’t seem to be a characteristic.
Do all little boys revere strength? From the moment they can compose a sentence, they claim the boast for themselves. “I can do it! Look how strong I am!” Precious young man, may you ever be willing to help. While this mama brags on her son for his growing muscles, she also recognizes another need. And yet does not voice it. Little boys need gentleness. Enter my job as his mama. In learning to stop and use a gentle touch, in being compelled to slow down and rein in their impulsive, continuous movements, they just might grow into stronger men.
Carrying water requires strength. Helping carry one another’s burdens requires even more.
Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ…Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people…” Galatians 6:2,9-10
In knowing what it means to brush a petal softly, to pull a weed tenderly, a boy might one day know how to use his inner strength when it is most needed. One day he might be a man who knows the strength it takes to embrace gently.
Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves….Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Romans 12:10,12
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