The day the braces come off

The braces came off this morning. The orthodontist wanted them on a bit longer. My son wanted them gone some time ago. No matter what anyone really wanted, the braces are off, my son is smiling big and off to finish the last few months of his senior year. The reality is that the braces are gone.

I so completely understand the orthodontist. I look at my son and have this strong desire in my soul that wants to stop time. I want to keep him around for a few more years. He’s not only my son, he’s a good friend. I’m not ready for another child to graduate high school and head out the door to college. I hate the sight of taillights leaving the driveway and driving down the road. My excuse is that he isn't ready. But he is ready or at least he will be the time that dreaded day arrives. The reality is that I’m not ready. And the reality is that no matter who is ready, that day is coming – and soon.

So what do we do? We try to give him Jesus as much as possible – not religion, but Jesus. We try to love him well, give him what he needs for life. We pray – a lot! And as the day approaches, we will try to celebrate. And then we’ll shed some tears and pray some more!

Anchored in grace,

I am Jon's dad

Of Cats and Killers

I’ve never been a huge fan of cats. Cats tear things up. Cats don’t come when they are called. Cats sit on the book you are trying to read. They jump on your keyboard just before you save the document. Cats dive out from under the bed and tear your ankles to bloody shreds. They look at you like you are the pet. And cats are killers. Actually that last part I kind of like. We had a great outdoor cat once named Boots. He was a tough old tomcat that kept the mice away.

On a sunny afternoon I looked out the window and saw time stand still. Boots the cat was snoozing in the sun close to the front door. Creeping slowly towards the killer cat was the cutest, and stupidest, chipmunk. This rodent’s days were seriously coming to a close. Every step brought it closer to death. Did it think the cat was perhaps dead? Was it on some kind of chipmunk dare from the other little chippers? One of those “I dare you to creep close and pull the killer lion’s whiskers!”

What should I do? If I bang on the window the cat will awaken and the chipper is a sure goner.  If I do nothing the chipper might see the foolishness of his actions and dive into a hole somewhere. I didn’t bang on the window but the silly rodent didn’t turn away either. Chipper came within a few inches before the killer awoke. Death was quick and not very pretty.

While I couldn’t help the chipmunk, I can help people. And so can you. Evil prowls around the world devouring the least of these, orphans, girls, women… Human trafficking is a wicked roaring lion. What happened to a chipmunk isn't far off of what happens in human trafficking.  I Peter 5:8-9 Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. 

According to TrafficJam.org, over thirty million people are enslaved today. That's more than during all four centuries of the trans-Atlantic slave trade. More than any point in history, in fact. Human trafficking is the fastest growing criminal industry and is predicted to soon overtake drug trafficking. Over fifteen million children are enslaved today. Childhoods are stolen as kids are forced to be prostitutes, sex slaves, child soldiers and laborers, among many other degradations and exploitations.

We need to open our eyes, pray, have compassion, take action.

Anchored in Grace,

Harrison

Two resources I am familiar with:

http://www.trafficjam.org/ 

http://compassiontoact.org/