At the end of that 18 years, I only hope they are productive members of society who love Jesus with their whole hearts. I don't want failure to be a surprise to them. I do not want the world to shock them once they get outside of our little town. I don't want unkindness to rock their world at 18 for the first time. I don't want someone else introducing them to "another way." So, we have about 12 more years to instill into them core values and to teach them to be successful, God-fearing men. You know, to be a boyfriend, a husband, a father, a son-in-law. Only 12 years. Yall, that is a lot to learn in a little time. We are ultimately, as their parents, going to set two young men out into the world in 12 years.
So, for the next twelve years, they will fall but we will be there to help them pick up the pieces. They are going to know the importance of good grades, but they will also make a few bad ones. They are not going to ace every test, but they will study harder. They will know how to vacuum. They will know about laundry. They will strike out. They will get hurt. They will be shown how to respect women. Above all else, I pray that they truly KNOW God. I don't want them to just know of God, but to truly KNOW Him.
We don't get it right everyday, but I pray there are glimpses of grace woven through our days. I pray that they know how to love people well. I pray that they include the one who is different into their circles. I want them to be kind. Sarcasm is good too and witty and funny. Let's face it, they have sarcasm nailed at almost six. I pray they can laugh at themselves. I want them to know failure and success. I want them to face hard challenges knowing they may or may not succeed. All of these things will build their character and develop them into men that will not be taken by surprise when they enter the world.
Asa is hilarious. I hope he never loses his innocent and clueless regard for all things. I hope his curiosity never fades. He is the one that will have a mishap no matter what. He is such a good sport about it. For instance, last night I was painting some furniture. I was letting them help. About 1,435 times I said, "Do not lean up against this side anymore it is wet." About three minutes later, Asa runs to the kitchen to get a drink and comes be-bopping back to where we were. I look at him. His entire front is covered in white paint. I said, "Asa, I told you not to lean on the paint." He seriously had no idea and looks down. He looks back up with a shrug of his shoulders and says, "How in the world did that get there?" You just have to laugh. Saturday, Jude let him hold the Aldi quarter and I immediately looked to make sure I had another one. Sure enough, five seconds later, I look and Asa has a scared look. I asked him why. He said, "Um, I used the quarter to unlock the seatbelt and it fell into the crack." He explores our backyard every afternoon. He can always be found with a stick. He is usually poking, prodding, digging, or in some way getting filthy in the trees and grass. He loves our little backyard forest. He has a love for baseball. The weather turns him into a worry wort. He always wants to know, "Whats the time?" He likes a schedule and wants to know what comes next. He loves all things artsy. He is always making some sort of creation. I often call him Dennis. He reminds me so much of Dennis the Menace. He is mischievous, but he always means well. I hope he never loses any of those characteristics. I hope that smile that he smiles with his whole face never goes away. He loves life!
Jude is our tender hearted one. He cried watching the people who died scroll across the screen on the Emmy's when he was four. He is always taking up for Titus. He will fight for his brothers. Don't get me wrong, he is not always innocent, but nobody else is messing with them. He is momma's boy. He is always picking me flowers, giving random kisses and hugs, and making me pictures at school. He loves music and can "drum" to just about anything. He is silly and quirky. He is not going to smile for a camera so I have given up. He has that shy side smile that is going to melt someone else's heart one day. He LOVES baseball. We call him "punk" alot because he looks and acts like a teenager sometimes. When he is waltzing around shirtless and spouts out sarcasm with his side swoop it gives us a harsh glimpse into high school. He loves with his whole heart. He blows my mind with his memory. He can memorize anything and never forgets anything. He is our sports guy. He watches ESPN with B and daddy. He runs to tell us what is happening if he catches a glimpse of something good. He can't wait to tell secrets or presents. It literally eats him from the inside to hold it in. He belly laughs like nobody else. He likes to have fun, but is our more serious one. He likes things to go as planned. I pray that he never loses his love for others and that his heart always loves and loves big.
They bring so much joy to our lives and I can't believe we are a third through this time we have them in our house. They are such a blessing to us. I pray that we are able to parent them well for the next twelve years. I pray they know grace, kindness and Jesus. I know that with those three things, they will make it in this world. They will be successful. they will be able to endure what the world throws at them. They will always have a Father who loves them more than we do. They will never be alone. They will always have a guide. I hope we are preparing them well for the path of life. I don't want to lay the stones down for them to carefully walk on without stumbling. I want them to endure whatever is needed NOW to prepare them for the future!
No comments:
Post a Comment