Doing it for Pete’s Sake

Today, my oldest son, and third in my series of kids, turns twenty. His name is Pete, and I am proud of him. Before he was born, we decided on the name “Peter” because of his namesake in the Bible. The Bible version of Peter (meaning “rock”) was strong, impulsive, sensitive, loyal, genuine, passionate and likeable. I had always wanted to be like him, and Debbie and I decided that a son would do well to follow in his footsteps also.

A funny thing happened on the way to The Rock. My son, Peter, having a strong dose of his dad’s genes, grew up a lot like me. Everyone tells me it’s true, but I’m too close to the situation to see it. Although I can see that he looks a little like me, I’m told that the real resemblance is in our personality and demeanor. When those parts of the total package are applied to the physical shell, I guess the similarity is pretty scary. I’m thinking he’s a new, improved version of his dad.

This whole idea of being and leaving a human legacy among people really has me thinking. I wanted to be like this great example, Peter, in the Bible, so I studied him and got to know him the best one can from the gleanings of paper and ink. I don’t know how well I’ve done, but the point is that because he lived out an example worth imitating, I just might be better than I would have been without him.

And then I think about being a dad, and all of influence I have over my own son, both through genes, nurture, and faith. I wonder if I have, in any way, passed the spirit of Peter on to Pete. And how about my other kids…have they caught it? Have they become any more like Peter (and hopefully like Jesus) because of who I am? And how about my wife? My parents? My friends?

I think most of us underestimate how much we pass on parts of ourselves to other people. We’re sort of blind to it because we’re a little close to the situation, but our impact is no less real. That reality makes me want to aspire to be a better man. To be conscious of who I’m reflecting as I live. To be more purposeful in passing along the honorable traits of Jesus and Peter and David and John to those around me. To be an example that good people would want to emulate. That gives meaning to my life. To bring out the best in people by being my best to people.

It makes me want to be like Peter for Pete’s sake!

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