He’s wearing nothing but the blue camo underroos when he comes running at me.
I barely have time to brace before all that stocky, nearly-four-year-old life slams into my knees. Amazing, to be missed like this.
Today he asks me to wave from the door while he chops down that oak tree in the front yard. The tree that’s lived at least ten of his lifetimes. He’s going at it with a hammer and a rusted screw he found in the toolbox we barely ever use.
His determination is matched only by his desire to be watched.
“Come closer,” he tells me. “Come close to the door, so you can see me.”
“Are you waving, mom?”
“Yes, yes Micah. I’m waving.”
“Come closer!” he bellows.
I stand at the screen door and watch all that determination. It’s beautiful. He belts the tree and shovels raw earth and stops to watch and see if I’m watching.
I am.
“I see you,” I yell out to him.
And I do. I see that spirit of bright, flaming passion. I see that heart always ready to rush in and save. I see that strength. I see that warrior. I see that rock.
He is hammering hard at the tree. Last days of fall have set it’s leaves on fire. I work just as hard at not noticing the mess – the hole where there was once lawn, the rusting tools lined up next to his illuminator sneakers, the cup I just bought last week for the bathroom sink and the bathroom sink only.
There’s the boy beyond the mess, beyond the notes from frustrated teachers, beyond the boxes and labels and challenges.
“Do you see?” he asks again.
“Yes,” I say.
And I do.
::
Want to keep up with this here blog – sign up to get my posts emailed to your doorstep right here
Or delivered to your reader of choice. Or just like us on Facebook.
Just lovely, Lisa-Jo…
What a beautiful tribute to your sweet little man. We are so blessed when we can see through the “stuff” and static and get to see their hearts. Thank you for this reminder.
You keep right on looking, mama – and right on seeing. These kids of ours need to know that they are truly seen. ALL of who they are – the raggedy edges and the glorious bursting beauty inside. Thanks for this.
this is it. this is what it’s all about…seeing those beautiful souls inside the beautiful messes :)
Just had to pop in and say a BIG WAR EAGLE HEY!!!! LOVIN’ his Auburn shirt!!
And don’t let that warrior strength disappear. Just let the Lord temper it into true steel that He can use for His Kingdom. God will make a great destiny out of his life if it is tempered well by the Holy Spirit. Grace to you! :D
your little “man”
so glad he lives in such love!
Yes.
And all the mamas of messy-labeled-note-receiving boys say,
“AMEN.”
A challenge, to see them like that – to really see them. I will be a camera today, for all four. Thanks for the inspiration and the seeing.
Drink it in, Lisa-Jo. Long-ago my son was a pirate at Halloween. He use to wear his three-cornered pirate hat and raise his trusty sword. This year he will wear his four-cornered tasseled hat and raise his treasured scroll. Enjoy it, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes. They’ll only remember the good stuff. Wonderful post!
Beautiful, just beautiful!
Hmmm…beautiful…such an amazing reminder….how we all just want to be….SEEN!
Love, love, love the spirit of life and adventure in the heart of a nearly-four-year-old boy. You captured it well.
Ok….that really moved me! My eyes shall be looking deeper tomorrow. You write beautifully.
I love how mamas can see right straight into their child’s heart like nobody else! Nobody else knows them like we do, or loves them so fiercely