Their Core

“Masculinity is an essence that is hard to articulate but that a boy naturally craves as he craves food and water.”
John Eldredge, Wild at Heart

It's why we are giving them this life.
To encourage their masculinity.
To teach them to take risks.
Explore.
Climb.
Dream.
Fall.
Get up.
Help your brother.
Guide.
Protect.
Create.
Laugh.
Breathe.
Seek.
Gather.
Go.


“A man needs a battle to fight; he needs a place for the warrior in him to come alive and be honored, trained, seasoned. If we can reawaken that fierce quality in a man, hook it up to a higher purpose, release the warrior within, then the boy can grow up and become truly masculine.”

John Eldredge, Wild at Heart


While our goal of learning all the hidden jewels in our area is becoming attained, I've seen so much more than than reaching that goal being gained.

I see little men rising up before my eyes.
Husbands and fathers that are being given the opportunity to fulfill the need for adventure from such a young age.  With little boundaries.

I laugh, because at home, indoors, we run a tight ship.  A lot of expectations for behavior and responsibilities. But if they open the door, they know...they are free to go.
Explore.

I pray that they never lose the understanding of true adventure.
It's not a video game.
It's not the fridge.
It's not on television.
It's in their physicality.
It's movement.
It's outdoors.

I pray that when they seek out their spouse, that they find someone who understands this need.  It will never leave them.  It never does. It's their core.
 
“The recipe for fun is pretty simple raising boys: add to any activity an element of danger, stir in a little exploration, add a dash of destruction, and you’ve got yourself a winner. The way they ski is a perfect example. Get to the top of the highest run, point your skis straight downhill and go, the faster the better. And this doesn’t end with age; the stakes simply get higher.”

“Don’t climb on that, don’t break anything, don’t be so aggressive, don’t be so noisy, don’t be so messy, don’t make such crazy risks. But God’s design–which he placed in boys as the picture of himself–is a resounding yes. Be fierce, be wild, be passionate.”

John Eldredge, Wild at Heart