The Protectors

This is one my favorite images. We are an adventurous and energetic family. Our two boys are usually exploring and doing some wild stuff. No matter what they get into, there are always two sets of eyes watching over their path. Trent and Robby are behind me on the beach, racing each other. Daddy and Koda are intently observing. They don’t interfere. They don’t instruct them to slow down or make them be still. They let them be free, but are ready to act if needed.

The perspective of Nala captures this sentiment perfectly. She’s asleep, passed out in the sand. She’s comfortable and secure because her two protectors are close by. She can rest without worry or fear.

Both O’Bryan and Koda are what I call Silent Leaders. I’ve heard Koda bark a handful of times in his eight years of life with us. He’s quiet and reserved, but he’s not timid. Just because you don’t hear him doesn’t mean he isn’t there. He’s keenly watching over his family at all times. When Nala was a puppy she would run and hide behind Koda when she was scared. She still looks to him first before making a move. He is the cornerstone. He is her guide and her trust. If the boys are in Koda’s sight, he won’t break his gaze for any distraction. I can call his name and click my tongue over and over, but he’s watching his children and won’t jeopardize their safety. As a mother, it’s a beautiful bond to experience.

I believe Koda draws his spirit from his daddy. O’Bryan isn’t loud and doesn’t talk excessively. He won’t tell you something more than once. But you know when he does speak, you need to listen. A lot of times he’ll sit back and observe. He won’t interject and will let others lead the conversation. Then when he’s ready, when he feels sure about God’s timing, he steps in and fills the room with wisdom and certainty. You realize he was of strong opinion the whole time. I envy his confidence, because it comes from within. He’s had an authentic, unshakeable relationship with our Creator since I met him at age 17. Years of building on his intuition and trust in God has made him a pillar of a man. He is aware of how others view him, and takes steps to ensure that he doesn’t seem proud or dominant. But as the woman who spends time with him behind closed doors, I know his spirit is strong and his mind is sharp. While I was a teenager, immature in life and my walk with Christ, he was my example to follow. He never stopped teaching me and redirecting my focus.

Our children trust him without hesitation. He lets them make mistakes, he lets them test the waters and go off on their own if they choose. Yet they instinctively come back to him for guidance and peace. He won’t yell or berate them, but he will speak with a firm and unwavering voice. They know his words are true and good. I thank God for the silent leaders in our family. I thank him that they are raising the next generation to be strong and prepared. I thank him that they are always watching and ready to interject. But I thank him for their discretion, their patience and understanding. Even when their advice isn’t always taken, or their opinion isn’t always respected, may they stay deeply rooted in the way of light. And continue to lead those placed in their care.