PARENTING June 13, 2005 ISSUE

A FATHER'S DAY WISH

CURT WAHLBERG

I love taking my kids to the park. Recently we went right after a rain, and there were puddles. Often we'll put on boots and play in the puddles, but this was a shoe day. And the kids know that means we stick to dry ground. As we walked past a big, muddy mess, one of my three little guys turned straight for it. I warningly called to her. She didn't stop. I called again. She turned a little in my direction but kept herself on course.

I almost grabbed her. But another desire came over me. It felt like a prayer. More than wanting to see her stay dry and clean, I wanted to see her express the natural obedience I knew she had. And I found myself thinking more about this innate obedience than about what I wanted. Suddenly she veered back toward us and took my hand.