My son Jeremiah just turned two, and he has just discovered the world of velcro shoes.
During our family’s recent trip to a nearby farm, my wife dressed him up and completed his simple ensemble with lace-up shoes.
When we reached our destination, we were surprised to see that he did something without our supervision: He had taken off his right shoe, and replaced it with another one, the left shoe of a velcro pair!
That day, I swear there was something different about him. I could notice him walking with a spunk. Was he standing extra proud? Or did he subtly reveal his new sensation (read: discomfort) of having two left shoes?
He was clearly oblivious to the error that partisan observers would readily point out. In his mind, he had been an industrious little achiever. Of course, any loving parent would agree that this feat was nevertheless remarkable, and would look forward to the thing their child would successfully accomplish next.
I look back at my own youth, and recall the proud moments when I did something for the first time. Those moments of industriousness – from sweeping the floor, albeit clumsily, to solving a math problem on my own, even with great difficulty – are but the first few feats that point to who I am to become.
I would like to say that I gained confidence in completing such physical and mental challenges, each one more complex than the next. Each achievement years ago reinforced my steady growth. And I was made ready to take on the more daunting tasks I now face as a father. For even where I am now, I try my best to persevere, perhaps even when the world scoffs at me or tells me that I’m simply ‘weird’.
In other words, as an adult, I continue to walk the exuberant path.
Jeremiah has a long way to go, like learning the difference between ‘left’ and ‘right’ and manipulating aglets to tie his laces. On another realm, he will discover the difference between right and wrong, and he will strengthen his resolve to secure what is proper and untangle the knots of his life. I see my role as his dad to celebrate his milestones with him, to shed light on the path he will take, and to help him not just grow older with age but more importantly gain wisdom in his pursuits.
At least for now, I should be able to take photos in my mind to record the progress he is making on his journey called ‘life’.
You shall walk in all the way that the Lord your God has commanded you, that you may live, and that it may go well with you, and that you may live long in the land that you shall possess. – Deuteronomy 5:33