Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Wild Hearts - Part 1

First, I want to thank everyone who commented yesterday. I am constantly blown away by the ways that God works in and through the body of Christ. Thank you for standing alongside; for the virtual hugs, the Scriptures, and the encouragement that was offered. He is renewing me with His love and grace - part of which flowed through many of you in the comment section yesterday.

This past weekend my husband and son went on a "Wild Heart Weekend." A group of men and their boys from our church retreated to a lodge away from the business of everyday life and spent some time being intentional about bonding - with each other and with God.

I don't believe enough can be said about the impact this kind of weekend has on the lives of fathers and sons.

Surrounded by a company of men, my son was inspired to attempt things he had never accomplished and became more confident in things he was already familiar with. He got to see grown men singing praises to their Father around a campfire, sharing burdens and praying with one another, and just goofing off and having fun together.

He came home a little braver, a little stronger, a little more independent, and along with some very large bug bites; an increased knowledge that he was loved and valued by his father.

Here is my son climbing the rock wall:
Making it to the top:
Coming down:

Here he is crossing to do the zip line:
A part of the company of men, my husband was encouraged and inspired in his roles as a man, a father, and a son himself. He was refreshed, energized, and at peace with the wild heart that God has bestowed upon him. There was time on the drive to talk and to listen to the heart of his 7 year old. There were moments to be able to praise, encourage, and speak life into his son. There were opportunities to speak openly with other men about the struggles of this life. There were moments to gaze at the stars and know the presence of His Heavenly Father.

He came home a little braver, a little stronger, a little less dependent on the voices of the world, and along with some very large bug bites; an increased knowledge that he was loved and valued by his Father.
More "retreat" thoughts to come in Part 2.

May you be strengthened through His love & grace today!

Shanda

11 comments:

Rachel said...

Oh Shanda -

You have such a way with words.

What a precious reminder of how important our children are to us, and how important His children are to Him.

I cannot wait for Itty Bit to be old enough to enjoy something like this with Mr. Daddy. Until then, I rest in knowing that Mr. Daddy invests in him already, no matter his age or size.

What a beautiful post... I am so moved.

Farmgirl Paints said...

What an awesome memory that made for both of them. They will always have that trip and those special together moments.

Your husband sounds like a great father.

It's spiritual experiences like that that shape our little ones future view point on all things Christ related. You are setting a wonderful platform for his faith.

RCUBEs said...

That's a very precious time between dads and sons. And Dads and sons...

Retreat...a place of refuge...and what a wonderful place to find that refuge that comes from the Lord. Blessings.

HappyascanB said...

What a great weekend that must've been for everyone involved. Your son will surely treasure moments like that for years to come.

Hope the bug bites get better, too!!

The Blue Sparrow said...

I am a new follower of your and just wanted to say how much I enjoyed reading your posts. Its nice to see a Christian mom doing her thing! God bless!

Bethany @ Our 4 Sons Plus 1...Super Cute Girly Girl said...

I can't come up with the words to express myself right now...that is really unusual for me!! What a special time for your husband and son, one that will be long-remembered and treasured.

christy rose said...

What a special time and a great opportunity that they must have had. Your son will remember times like this forever. Times with daddies can never be too many! What a wonderful post!

Warren Baldwin said...

Great post. Your son will forever remember this!

My current post is dedicated to dads like your husband. Perhaps he would read it?

I got the second book today. Thank you, thank you! I think my daughter is as excited about them as I am.

Cynthia said...

Although this post was meant to be about your husband and boys, it became about mine as I read it. My husband is not a Christian (yet) and when I see the photos and read your words (grown men sitting around and worshipping God unashamed etc) I ache at what is missing in my husbands life and how it affects the lives of our sons.

Thank you for posting this. It was beautifully written

Gretchen said...

How cool is that?!!!

Penelope said...

Wow, what a terrific young man! And a terrific husband!