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While I can’t speak for all men, I can certainly speak as one. These days, I can also speak as a woman – but, that’s another topic for another time…

In our culture, there are a lot of things that seem to go along with the idea of manhood. Big trucks, football Sunday, power tools and firepower seem to be the fruits that grow on the tree of man. In most cases, I think a lot of these stereotypes aren’t a healthy thing.

For all of the psychologists that insist boys don’t like guns, I have a three year-old boy that recently discovered cowboys – and guns, and is nearly inseparable from his six-shooters and gun belt.

I think that both men and women feel an internal desire to fulfill a sense of purpose. All humans do, really. However, I think that men derive some of this satisfaction during moments where they’re put to work in a physical sense.

I love cutting the grass. I love getting my hands dirty. I love the feeling of satisfaction that comes when I grab a handful of tools and repair something on my car while the sweat pours down my face.

I wasn’t made to be a brush. I was made to be a hammer, and I feel a sense of purpose and duty when I avail myself to situations where I can be swung hard to hit a proverbial nail.

Since coming back to Texas, I’ve happily lived in a 3-story townhome on Main Street in Lewisville. While it’s a beautiful space, I’ve felt a desire to have a home – a strong desire.

A few weeks ago, I was putting Atlas to bed and heard a noise coming from the window. Outside, two homeless people were in the street having an argument, which quickly escalated into a screaming match.

I pulled out my phone and called the police, asking them to come and diffuse the situation. While on the phone, I turned to see Atlas – visibly upset and scared from the situation.

In that moment, I realized that the best place for Atlas to grow up is a place where he doesn’t have to encounter these sorts of situations at such a young age. I want him to have a safe neighborhood where I feel peace and security, rather than a constant level of concern that comes from living on a busy street.

I want him to have a yard, basketball hoop in the driveway and safe places to explore on his bike without worry that he’ll be hit by a speeding car. I want him to have a place where he feels like he’s at home – and doesn’t have to wonder about where he’ll live in the year that follows.

I think it’s important to have a stable home that doesn’t feel temporary, and I’ve felt strongly like it’s time for us to move from where we are and into a semi-forever home where our family can thrive.

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