Blood, Sweat and...

Last night I was standing in the back of a small, steamy bar on The Strip in Tallahassee, Florida, waiting for my youngest son and his band, Vera, to take their place on the tiny stage and play their 30 minute set.

And I was sweating.

It occurred to me how appropriate that was, perspiring and waiting to watch one of my kids do something. You probably think I am about to take off on some metaphorical rant about child-rearing and the “sweat of the brow” but that isn’t what this is about. I am referring to tangible, hat soaking, shirt sticking to your back, droplets breaking loose and rolling freely down legs and backsides sweat. I am also talking about interminable, mind-numbing, I have to quit checking my watch, I thought they were supposed to start 15 minutes ago waiting. Whether it was practices and games on the athletic field or “oh my gosh they forgot to turn the air on again in the auditorium” choir concerts, each child has taken me (please understand, this is “The Royal Me,” which includes my wife) into the cooker on a regular basis. I am sure that raising my kids in Florida has a lot to do with this (okay, it has everything to do with it), but sticky heat has been a constant in my quest to support, encourage and love the three children God allowed me to raise.

And I wouldn’t change a thing. From watching William endure August practices in full pads to Laura deciding to sit down at shortstop because it was too hot (and it was and I will never think less of her for that decision) to sweltering summer baseball games with Jordan—the misery of the moment eventually fades and what is left is a story or two about survival and an occasional victory. And, really, what is a little sweat in the Big Picture? It is why God prompted somebody to invent the hat and another sunscreen and yet another bottled water. And it is why I had to smile last night as I spotted all three of my kids (and Jul makes four) mingling, hugging and sweating in the bar after Vera finished their set. Their preparation has begun...