Manners

In a moment of self-pity, I admitted to myself that parenthood is one of the hardest jobs.  Without any prior work experience or a self-help manual, Drew and I are trying to raise a child for the next generation that will lead our society.  Whew!  I get overwhelmed thinking of all of the virtues I need to instill in him: love of God, respect for human life, ability to show mercy and compassion, seek justice, etc.  The list continues.

I'm thankful we have 18 years...

I think I'll start with manners: please and thank you, cups and food stay on the table, no standing on chairs, etc.

In a moment of maturity, he politely carried his food outside to his chair and sat while eating his snack. (*politely is defined as not leaving a trail of food when walking or food remained in the container.)  He did lose a shoe on the way.

On days that I get discouraged (usually occurs somewhere between him banging his head into the floor in frustration or when food is thrown across the room), I am reminded of the verses we prayed over Callen on his first birthday, Ephesians 3:14-20.

For this reason I kneel before the Father, 15 from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name. 16 I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18 may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19 and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.20 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

To Him be the glory...