This past weeken, Nov 1-2, was the Youth Only deer hunt in the state of Missouri.  I went on the hunt with my 8 year old son, Sammy, and two other father's and son's.  (Three sets of dad's and boy's altogether.)  One boy got a nice doe.  One boy got his first deer; a nice 8 point buck.  And my little Sammy had shots at two different does, but unfortunately did not get one.  We are still on the quest for Sammy to get his first deer, and hoping this important milestone will be achieved in two weeks during the regular Missouri deer season.

Anyway, we had a wonderful time.  Father's, son's, the great outdoors, cool air, beautiful sunrise, colorful trees, anticipation, watching and waiting, pounding hearts at the sound of approaching footsteps in the leaves, taking aim, powerful guns, death and blood, excitement, congradulations, sense of pride, accomplishment, "I have what it takes!".  It was so awesome to spend this time with our boys.

As I mention in one of my books, maleness is something that is learned through a process almost like osmosis.  Boys learn what it means to be a man as the spend time in the company of men, as they watch and learn the words, attitudes, actions, behaviors, etc. of their dad's and other dominant male role models in their lives.  As I spend this time with my son, I sense him like a dry sponge soaking up the experience, becoming a little more masculine, a little less boy, and a little more man.

In much the same way, our boys will look to us to learn what it means to be a sexual man.  What do men think about women?  How do men relate to women?  What kinds of things to men say to women and about women?  Do men love and repect women?  How do men treat women?  Our sons will watch and learn from our lives.  Maleness will be poured through us into them.  For this reason, it is critically important that we provide the godly example for our sons that we have been called to provide.  Our repentance is so significant, not only for our lives, but for the lives of those who are watching us with hungry and curious eyes.

Dads, boys, bucks!  I love it!

Posted by Tony Ingrassia on 11/3/03; 12:16:29 PM