“Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.” Ephesians 6:13

Yesterday was Grandparents Day and it just so happened that we had 4 of our grandsons with us for the weekend. As per our standard unwritten ‘Kid Policy,’ we did what we always did… because, based upon our own personalities and roles, ‘it’ always worked. I took the boys.. SHE took the baby!

It is what it is… I don’t do babies. Squirming, crying, peeing, drooling, screaming, tired and unsleeping babies are NOT my thing. They never have been. My wife is a master at them! So the other day when that thing went off into a crying spree, I took the other three boys outside for a bike and scooter ride. We had a blast! It wasn’t until last night, when my wife said, “why don’t we all go for a walk,” that I realized just how different our roles really are!

‘Riding,’ for me, was really walking and barking out instructions, warnings and directions to the boys. “Hey guys, ride up THAT driveway! Don’t get TOO far away! Car coming… off the road! Stick close to each other!” When Gigi was with us… she was on the verge of a meltdown. “Oh no… be careful, you’re gonna fall! Watch out for that curb! Slow down!!” I realized, again, that in our roles, we were directly OPPOSITE of each other. I wanted them to learn how to ride better and to safely cooperate with each other. SHE wanted to get them home without a scratch!

Don’t get me wrong! Neither of us are wrong and both of us are necessary. But being a ‘Father means teaching kids how to grow up and stand! Moms are all about safety and security. But at the end of the day… or life, Kids grow into responsible adults as they learn to navigate through the obstacles of life. And yes.. there WILL be pain.

There is a reason God is called Father! His desire for us is to grow up ‘In’ Him and STAND up ‘FOR’ Him. His Word give us instructions and directives on how to live independently and within the scope of the World. The verse today says that ‘evil is coming!’ God is encouraging His children to prepare for it and stand. Apparently, shielding us from hurt and pain is not a part of His plan!