Michael’s Haircut

Over the past four years of my son Michael’s life, I've had to cut his hair several times. And it's always been a horrific experience, both for him, and for me and my wife. Michael would get terrified, start bawling before the clippers ever even touched his head, and he would continue to sob throughout the entire haircut. We would have to place him in a highchair in the kitchen, and my wife would do her best to distract Michael as I cut his hair. I promise, I was as gentle as a father could be - but you would have thought that I was scalping him.

This past weekend, however, was different. Michael's hair was getting pretty long. Here’s a picture:

It was the weekend, I didn't have to go in to work, so I thought now would be the ideal time to cut his hair. I said to Michael, "Michael, it’s time to cut your hair."

I was expecting him to start whimpering. But he didn't. He said, "Michael's not going to cry this time." He seemed confident, so I rolled with it. I skipped the highchair, got a normal chair, and told Michael to stand on it and put his head over the sink.

I didn't call Joy, who normally had played an important part in this process. Instead, I just grabbed the clippers and hoped for the best.

Amazingly, the haircut went great. Not a whimper, not a cry. Michael was relaxed throughout the entire cut. It took half the time; and once it was done, he hopped off the chair, got in the tub, and washed off all the loose hair. My wife walked into the kitchen, and we both looked at each other, jaws dropped.

Michael's growth when it comes to haircuts reminds me of our growth as Christians. I can remember the first time I ever tried to go soul winning. I was living in an apartment in New Haven. There was a bus stop across the street, with a woman waiting for her bus to arrive. I crossed the street, intending to speak to her; but I was so nervous I just kept on going and walked right past her. That repeated several times until eventually the woman's bus arrived and she got on.

1 Peter 2:1-2

[2] As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:

The bible promises us that if we spend time in God's word, we will grow. Oftentimes this growth can be slow, imperceptible - we won't even notice it- similar to the physical growth of a child. But if we're constant in our daily intake of God's Word, in the same way a child is constant in their consumption of physical food, our faith and knowledge will steadily increase.

2 Peter 3:18

But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.

Today, there could be things in your Christian life that you could never imagine doing. The thought of even attempting it causes you to be anxious - similar to how Michael used to be when it came to getting a haircut. But the good news is that if you’re faithful to God's Word, and read it every day, the fear that once hindered you will slowly dissipate, and you’ll find the courage to do whatever it is that God is calling you to do.

Psalm 31:24

Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the Lord.

Michael after his haircut