Becoming a Man 

Her heart was aching as she prayed,

for one she loved was all alone.

She longed for him to become a man

while he was far from home.

She sent her love in messages,

Hoping his strength to renew.

She texted him and wrote of God;

did all she knew to do.

For he, her child, a choice had made,

no matter how great the load.

Her boy had set his face like flint

and chosen that lonely road.

Rocks and ridges barred his way

as he learned to walk alone,

But a boy cannot become a man

by turning back to home.

The roots he plants need steady care,

fresh water, food and  shining sun.

And never a man grows from the boy

who quits ere the work is done.

So lift his load in frequent prayer

and hold him to his task.

Encourage and believe in him;

That’s all your son can ask,

And one day when he stands up tall,

you’ll say, “I knew from the start

He’ll never give up – he’ll do his best –

He’s a man after God’s own heart.”