Water Master

We went to the swim beach last weekend at Lake Loveland.  Deacon was in and out of the water making rivers in the sand with other kids.  Steven and I were sitting just at the water's edge playing in the sand and watching the small waves take the sand out of Steven's hand.  While we sat there, another little boy, probably 3-4 years old, came over and started to show us all the cool things he could do.  He could stand hold himself up on his hands, "like a push up", he could hold himself up on his fingers, "like my hands, only I'm stronger", he could jump on one foot, do karate moves...all in the water and all because of the water.  He was so proud of himself and he was looking for someone to be proud along with him.  I kept telling him how cool his moves were and then I said, "You are quite the water master!"  This made him freeze.  His eyes popped open and he looked at me with surprise and delight.  He curled his arms to make himself look really strong and said, "I AM and water master."  And with that, he karate kicked himself away, doing arm thrusts and chops and repeating, "I'm a water master.  I am a waaaaater master!"  It was a really cute scene.

Then it made me think. Not only was this little boy looking for some affirmation that what he could do was cool.  Neither of us knew it, but he was also looking for his identity.  He found part of it that day when he realized he was a water master; not just a kid who could do a few cool things in the water...but a master of it.  He came and found me again about 40 minutes later and asked what it was that I called him earlier.  When I told him again "water master"  his smile and delight was even bigger than the first time.  And he went away with the same authoritative movements, assuring himself and the world that this was indeed who he is--a water master. 

Then I thought some more.  So many of us, myself included, wonder what our identity is.  More often for myself I wonder what my purpose is.  I've always had a heart for kids.  And I feel like in this season of my life, part of my purpose is to help kids know they are loved, important, and help them know they have an identity that matters.  It could be my boys, my nieces, or just some kids at the park.  My hope is that during this season, no matter what kids I am around, I can affirm them and show them that who they are matters--that some part of their identity is recognized and important.