Battle of the Bands

Last night at about 7:00 PM I was nervous and excited  as I waited for my oldest son to kick off the first song in his first public appearance in the Battle of the Bands competition. Then at 7:20 I was amazed.

Not that I didn’t think he would do a great job I just didn’t expect what I saw. I should have but I didn’t.

He only started playing with these guys a couple of weeks ago. He would come home from practice and tell me how great it was and how great they were going to do. He is an eternal optimist, like me, sometimes to a fault. So I didn’t really know what to expect.

Since he was very young his mother and I could see that he would be a leader. Not because he’s aggressive he is not a type “A” personality. He does however have a very strong personality very charismatic and magnetic. Wherever he goes he draws a crowd. His style is confusing to kids his age and to adults. Part skater, part emo, part hardcore, whatever that means. I’m just going by what I’m told. At his previous school those who didn’t take the time to get to know him looked at him with misgiving. They assumed he was a rebel and not to be trusted. Those who got to know him however immediately fell in love with him. Most people do.

So I shouldn’t have been surprised when he stood center stage encouraged the students to come to the front and engage, not merely observe. Then I stood in amazement and wonder as I watched him confidently start the songs, sing the lead part, and lead the band . I shouldn’t have been but I was.

When it was all said and done I stood full of pride, seeing what I knew was inside him emerge with such confidence and strength. So today my heart is full and yet there is some sorrow at the thought of him growing up and moving on. Hoping I have put into him all I should have as his dad. Hoping I was a good steward and faithful to train him up in the way he should go?

Ultimately I know he belongs to the Lord and He will bring to completion the good work He has begun in him. I pray the good he received from me will bear fruit and the bad will die on the vine.

Thank you God for my sons. As I did when they were babies I give them to you and trust you to do in them what you created them to do and to be. Give me the wisdom to step up when I should and step down when I should.
Amen.