It took me a while to figure out why my heart hurt so bad when I saw the boy’s face. The anger on his daddy’s face was evident. I couldn’t tell exactly what the boy had done to bring such a strong reaction from his dad. All I know is that the little boy was brokenhearted, plain and simple. He tried his best to swallow the pain and tough it out. You could see that with the deep breaths and protruding lip that hadn’t changed much since he was a baby and couldn’t control his emotions at all. My heart really went out to him.
Little guys don’t want to disappoint their dad and this a case of angered disappointment, for sure. Frustration had brought a sudden explosion and there was heartache all around. I don’t think I actually cried myself, but I certainly could have without a lot of effort. It took me a while to realize why I connected so deeply with the boy and his dad. I didn’t know them personally. Yet I knew them well. I was that little boy…and I was that angry dad. The scene had taken me back to a dirt road in Texas when I was eight. I know the pain of that little boy. I also know the anger of the father. I remember vividly the place and time when this story ‘s characters was me and my son Joel. You’ve been there too, I’d be willing to bet. Are there regrets? Absolutely. Has there been forgiveness? I hope for your sake there has been.
All of us share these common stories. Few have been exempt. Pain is ours…our dad’s…and our son’s. I have never met a man that didn’t have painful memories of such days and wish he could recall words spoken in haste or impatience. Thankfully there is a loving Father who heals. Even now. If the thought of those painful times with your own dad brings you sadness; run to the Father who waits to wipe away your tears. Help someone along the way to understand the pain they inflict on their boy. Pray that seed sown will be uprooted and healing can take place in those little boys’ lives and in yours!
I connect with this story, too. I remember times when I’ve over-reacted about something one of the kids did, then kick myself later…who’s the parent?, I ask myself. I should know better. It’s in those times that I actually realize that YOU are human, too…and it helps me forgive. Of course I remember times I caught the brunt of your or mom’s frustrations. Now, I know you’re human. And so am I.
I remember, all to recently when I overreacted with anger at my boy. The sorrow didn’t hit me instantly but soon struck me like a head on collision with a semi. Thankfully I was able to make amends later that evening upon his return from school. At first he was not able to realize what I was doing, but when he understood I was apologizing to him and asking for forgiveness, a wellspring of joy erupted from his boyish face. A sense of relief entered my system. The shame of knowing I had blown it though continues to haunt me today.
God knows the pain we feel when we fail, when we let others down. He’ll help us overcome our shortcomings and mistakes. He’ll give us the courage to admit failure, to express sorrow, and to ask for forgiveness.
A lesson I learned from PromiseKeepers was the need to see those shortcomings, those failures, knowing that God sees them and awaits our desire to overcome. Thank you for helping men become complete men of God.