arrows…
The analogy that my children are “arrows” is a simple illustration that still affects the choices I make as a father today. Since I’m from West Texas, I naturally think of Native Americans when I picture an arrow in my mind. I see a warrior who spends a considerable about of time making arrow shafts by scraping the bark off pieces of wood the width of a finger. Flint pieces get shaped into arrowheads and placed in a notch made at one end of the shaft. The arrowhead is held in place by long strings of sinew that was prepared by pounding deer tendons between rocks and then separated into stringy fibers. Feathers get arranged and attached at the other end of the shaft, taking care to make sure each vane came from the same side of the feather so that the vanes curve in the same direction. All these steps result in an arrow that is set to fly fast and hard. Like arrows, children require so much intentionality and time to shape and form. Children who grow to become adults ready to tackle this would don't become that way by accident. They are formed that way with deliberate purpose.
The arrow analogy works multiple ways though. For the arrows to fly fast and hard, they must be shot by a skillful archer. I wonder all the time how many perfectly crafted arrows get shot and fly far from their targets? I imagine that lots of good arrows never make it where they were intended to go. I know many good tools were wasted in my own hands and I use that as a reminder that my actions as a father need to be deliberate and intentional as the "archer". I am most responsible for where the arrows fly.
The bow is important too. For me, the bow represents the beliefs, ethics, and ethos of our household. More specifically, the bow represents our belief that God loves us and we should love one another.
“Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him. Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are children born in one’s youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them. They will not be put to shame when they contend with their opponents in court.”