This is quite the story. I applaud Brandon for his persistence. Fortunately for little Peter, his father had the resources, the interest, and the drive to go to his son - half-way around the planet.
But bringing it closer to home for all of us, I wonder what things all dads need to be doing to be persistent as we are guiding our kids. What about the persistence to not lose our cool when they are clearly losing theirs, or the persistence to hold fast when they are demanding that popsicle we've said "no" to a thousand times in the last half hour. Or what about the persistence that says you are coming home at 10:00 because that is when you need to be home.
Persistence in the setting of limits is tough, yet it is one of the most valuable gifts we can give to our children. They push our boundaries, they challenge our resolve, they compare us to the dad down the street. But deep down they are screaming for us to NOT give in, to bend but not break, to NOT let them have their way all the time. They need us to be consistent with our persistence. Our solid footing gives them security, safety, and most of all it builds up that 5 letter word I believe is the most important word of all - TRUST.
When we break they wonder if they can trust us. When we persist, they are learning they can trust us.
Just remember that in our persistence we bend, we don't break. Bending means there is grace, mercy, understanding, communication, and love. It shows we are listening and that we care.
Thanks, Brandon, for your persistence in finding your boy. May we all have that tenacity as we leave clear footprints for our children.
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