Do I Really Mean It?

Every night as I pray with my boys before their bedtime, I always end the prayer with these words....

"And most of all Lord, I pray that these boys grow into strong men of God...men who love You and honor You and serve You all the days of their life."

It is the prayer of my heart.  My boys have heard me pray it over them so often that if I change the wording, they correct me.

But, today I was challenged.  And, I questioned myself, "Do I really mean it?"  

Of course I do!,  I answered myself back.

But, what if I knew that in the act of service to God, a sacrifice was required of my child?  Would I still mean it?

I found myself asking these questions after watching a video that an old high school friend posted on Facebook.  It was a tribute to Brian Carderelli, 25, who was among those in a medical relief group gunned down on Aug. 5  in Afghanistan.  Brian would have been her cousin's son, so for her family this tragedy struck close to home. 

I did not know this young man, but as I watch this video remembering his life, I see qualities that I hope to see in my own sons as they enter manhood.  I see the type of man I would love for them to become. 

It seems he lived so much more in his few short years than many people live in a lifetime.

And, he loved Jesus.  

The video is a beautiful tribute to his life.  And, his life was a beatiful tribute to the Lord.