That Boy's Gonna Turn Out!

USGN article
by Terry Franklin
April 2000

If you're a parent, from time to time you wonder how your kids are ever going to get out into the world and make it on their own. A lot of this has to do with the fact that you know you've been less than perfect as a parent! Truth is, none of us parents knew too much when we got into this thing. And we know, all too well, our weaknesses.

For instance, I have never been much of a handyman. My dad could fix anything or build anything--but somehow there was not a genetic transfer down to me. When someone asks me if I change the oil in my car my response is simple: Jiffy Lube. I stripped enough crankcase bolts and got mad at enough spin-off oil filters to know I wasn't up to the task. But how does that fit into "training a younger generation" in the things they'll need to know. Sometimes I wonder how that kid, who can't seem to remember to pick up his clothes, is going to make it.

But recently I got a glimmer of hope. My son decided to build a go-cart. What this means to me is "assembling" a go-cart out of existing go-cart materials; manufactured frame, steering wheel, seat, etc. But he wanted to build it... out of junk wood. I told him to have at it, giving him that "you-can-do-anything-you-put-your-mind-to" dad kind of talk. After a while we were headed to Home Depot every chance we could get to obtain free pieces of scrap wood that they throw out. He was given an old chainsaw engine to use and even fashioned two axles out of half inch metal rods. He measured, he hammered nails, he drilled holes... he made a go-cart! Yes, daddy is proud.

I thought to myself, "Okay, the boy will definitely be able to get a job somewhere..." But I'm not just concerned with what he can do with his hands. What about his heart?

On the way home we had a discussion about how Christ became sin for the whole world and he beautifully explained minute details of the gospel.

It was at this moment that I had one of those surrealistic moments we parents get very rarely. I knew this boy was gonna turn out. No, building a go-cart doesn't make my boy the next Henry Ford. But I wonder if he knew the gospel as well as this twelve year old.

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©2000 Terry & Barbi Franklin.