as a son grows...

Note to self: Remember this story if you have a son. Or share it with others who do.

During the sermon at a church I was visiting this Sunday, a man told this story:
When a man's son was of age to talk about sex and manhood and the like; he took him camping. During the trip they went on a hike up a mountain. At the top of the mountain they had one-on-one time together in which the man shared some things about life with his son, and he gave him some Scriptures that were influential in his own life.
At a certain point on the hike they came across the boy's youth pastor. The father passed the boy on to the youth pastor and he, like the father, shared some wisdom and Scripture with the boy. A little further along, they met the boy's grandfather, and then later, his other grandfather. Each had a time of personal conversation with the boy and together they marked this milestone where he will begin his next stage of life.

I found this tradition to be very touching, and I'm sure it was most memorable to the boy. Parents should look for more ways to connect with their children in this way and share what God has taught them. Leaders should also look for ways to be a significant role model in the lives they are intrusted with. Well done!