It is Pinewood Derby time around here. Consider this the Indy 500 of the Cub Scout world. My middle guy and his dad have been working hard on his Pinewood Derby Car; taking a small rectangular block of wood and whittling (or sawing and Dremeling) it into a unique and hopefully fast race car.
But truthfully, it doesn’t really matter how it looks, if it is fast or if it wins.
Because what they have really being doing, what it is really all about, is spending time together. Deepening their bond. Making memories. Teaching. Learning.
That is what really matters.
What could possibly mean more to a little boy than to have his small hand engulfed in the hand of his daddy as he helps him guide the saw and shows him “how to do it”.
“No man stands so tall as when he stoops to help a child.” – Abraham Lincoln
When his father’s actions say …
You matter to me. Your interests matter to me. I am busy but I am not too busy for you.
When his guidance and patience send the message …
I am here to do what you can’t but I will show you how to do what you can.
And trust you to do it.
When his teaching shows that with a little teamwork, cooperation, and persistence a plain block of wood will become something amazing.
When the gift of his time reminds his son …
You are part of a team. Loved. And your dad is on your side.
So Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of his own accord, but only what he sees the Father doing. For whatever the Father does, that the Son does likewise.” John 5:19
Welcome Company 
oh I loved these! The trick is to get them under weight and then add coins or washers strategically until the balance makes them fast as the wind. Oh, and good lube on the axiles!
It is A LOT of fun! I love seeing all of the designs the boys come up with. Amazingly, they have weights now made specifically for PWD cars – my kitchen scale has been doing double duty. Be sure to stop back by and see how it all turns out! Thanks so much for reading and chatting!
Your post brought back memories of when my dear father worked with my brother to whittle a car many many years ago. I remember the shape and color of the final product, my dad passed away a little over a year ago, but those memories are forever….
I am so glad you have those memories, Rebecca, and that you shared them with me. As I started editing the pictures for the post, that is what struck me the most – the wonderful memories my son will have of his dad. I truly believe those moments have a big part in shaping who we become and what we believe about ourselves. As always, I love to hear from you and am so thankful for your blogging friendship!
Those photos are a precious treasure!!!
Love this, Danielle! Thank you for sharing.
Thanks Patty! I’m getting ready to post Part II now. 🙂