Originally Posted by Mike Young May 2011

Over the years I’ve made much noise about the symbolism of our arrow logo and the Warriors part of our ministry name. I often remind folks that our children are to be arrows that we as warrior dads craft, together with God, to be straight, sharp and true. I also talk about the idea that our arrows (children) must ultimately be released to play their role in building the Kingdom.

I’ve had discussions with numerous dads and moms about the various ‘release points’ for our kids along the way.

• First day of school
• First overnight stay with someone else
• Taking the training wheels off their bike

The list could go on…

One ‘release point’ that I have discussed but never experienced before is seeing one of our kids earn a driver’s license and leave the driveway for the first time alone in a car. That ‘release’ is ahead of us… times four. But, Friday marked a new phase in pulling back the bowstring for Tim. I picked him up from school and headed to the DMV to get his Learner’s Permit.

A new phase of our journey with Tim has begun. We made him do the research and preparation. He’s pretty excited. I am too but I know I’ve got a lot of fathering to do in the next months to prepare him for that first solo drive.

You’ve heard me use these words before… Engage, Equip and Encourage. I’ll get to practice this teaching philosophy as we move forward. We must get his attention, give him practical help and coaching and cheer for him as he makes progress. I’m excited about the adventure. I imagine I’ll learn quite a few fathering lessons along the way as I teach him.

This I know… I’m sure my prayer life will improve.

I wonder, do you have a great story about learning to drive or teaching a son or daughter to drive that you’d like to share? I’d love to hear about how you navigated this rite of passage as a parent or young person? Any great fathering advice for me as a I sit in the passenger seat?

Here’s the bottom line:

I want Tim to feel the weight of responsibility in proper balance with the privileges of freedom, mobility and accomplishment. And, I want the process to draw us closer.

Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. Ephesians 6:4