I enjoy walking through the woods with Bay or having him do retrieves in the Chesapeake. Often God brings to mind things I need to know about Him during these times.  However, my dog can only go so far when showing me the ways of my Lord. At best, Bay is a poor example.  That doesn't mean this man can't learn by watching his dog. No, it just means that any example we look to falls terribly short of the glory of God.

During our recent men's retreat, God impressed upon me how fearfully and wonderfully made we are. Made in His image. While the rest of creation, Bay included, has His signature all over it, nothing but man was made in His image. 

That is such a hard concept to absorb and understand. The words are easy to read, but what do they really mean? How can we apply them in everyday life? My 14-year-old son was with me on the retreat. I sat and looked at him. What does it mean that he is made in His image?

For starters, it means that before He knit him in his mother's womb, He knew him. His mother and I were only the tools to bring about my son's life, yet God already knew him and had established a purpose for him before his mother and I did anything.  Truly we are only stewards of this boy's life while God works out His purposes.

Second, it means he has a dominion mandate. When God finished the creation He told man to take dominion over all the creatures and the plants (not other men). That means he has in his very nature the desire to care for the creation.

Third, since he is saved, he is a light that shines into the darkness and the darkness flees.  Jesus said He only did what the Father told Him to do. While my son isn't Jesus, I know it is in his heart to do what I have told him to do. He reflects not only the Father, but his father as well.

Fourth, if we really believe that God knew him before he was made in his mother's womb, and that God has a purpose for him in this life, then all things in his life will work for the glory of God. Yes, there will be sin. Yes, there will be carnal desires. Yes, he will have struggles. However, nothing, absolutely nothing can separate him from the love of God.

I reflected on all these things as the day progressed on Friday. During an afternoon break, I approached one of my pastors and talked to him. I felt like I wanted to recognize my son in front of this group of men. After we discussed it, he was in complete agreement with what I wanted to do.

After dinner, we gathered together for worship. We spent an hour in worship and prayer (it seemed like only a moment), then my pastor invited me to the front.

I started with reminding the men that I had dedicated my babies before the Lord standing in front of the congregation when they were very young. It wasn't an act of offering them to God, but one of recognizing they were a gift from God and asking the church to hold us accountable to raise them in the ways of our Lord.

Then I asked my son to join me in front of the group. I introduced him even though most already knew him. Then I said:

"This is my son with whom I am well pleased. He is now a young man. He thinks as an adult. He desires to please his father and the Father.  Although he doesn't always act as an adult yet, he desires to. I ask that you accept him as an adult, and hold him accountable as an adult."

Every man stood to his feet and applauded.

I think he grew about a foot taller that day. If not in real height, then certainly in stature. His father, inspired by the Father, blessing his son as he enters his young adult years. May he always serve the One who is worthy.

This is not a lesson I learned watching Bay. This is one given to me through His Spirit. No doubt a milestone in the life of my son...a rock he picked up while crossing his Jordan.  Another day walking with the Lord. Another day in the life of a man, his son, and his God.