Levi's rite of passage

What a tremendous night! I pray that the magnitude of this night echoes through history, in Levi's life and beyond.

I invited several men (family and friends) to do a few things:
1. write a letter to Levi lining out some of the lessons that he will need to transition into manhood
2. join us for a man-meal (steaks on the grill) and share that letter
3. be part of Levi's faith-walk through the woods that night.

The meal and the letters were great. For the record, my brother is the bomb-diggety grill master. He modeled servanthood to the T. I was so blessed to have him here. In fact, my life is so rich because of the men God has placed in my life.

I intended to read the letters of the men who couldn't join us, but as the daylight ran out, it became clear that I needed to let those present read, and give the unread letter to Levi the next day. He listened well, and read the other letters Saturday. Kim saw him coming out of his room that afternoon choked with emotion. Good stuff...

After the meal and letters, we left Levi at the fire with my buddy Andy. I led Ryan, Justin, my brother Scott, Kim's brother Randy, and Kim's dad up the path that I had marked out earlier in the week. I planned 6 stations for Levi, with a different man at each station. Levi would get a challenge, a question, and a gift at each place. The path from station to station was marked out using reflective thumbtacks, and Levi would use the flashlight he got at the firepit to find the path. I wrote a script for each station, detailing the symbolism of each gift, and outlining how that gift would help him grow into a man. Here's the list of where--what--who:

1. Fire pit--flashlight--Andy
2. Cross--Bible--Ryan
3. 1st woods spot--vintage hunting coat--Justin
4. Bridge over pond--water bottle--Randy
5. Path in woods--fire starter--Scott
6. End of path--wisdom--Ken

When Levi reached Ken, the lesson was from Jeremiah 33, where God tells Jeremiah to call, and God promises to answer, to respond to his call and teach him. Levi was to call my name, and I would answer.

I was worried about Levi walking through the dark woods, on an uncertain path. I figured that Levi would be scared, hesitant, or that he would get lost.

Not a problem! Levi blazed through the trail! It turns out that the walk was Levi's favorite part of the night. I think it helped that his flashlight was brighter than the sun itself! We saw his light coming, and I left Pappy Ken to find a spot to hide.

He called my name, and I answered.

Levi and I spent the night in the woods, talking around a fire. I hope that it was the first of many to come.

I want to see my son grow in the knowledge and grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, to see him equipped to love and lead, to see him become a man who is confidant in his identity in Christ.

I know that one night does not make a destiny. But I am excited for a good start, and I will continue to press in and press on to see my son walk in his destiny.