My wife was in a minor car accident that has really given her some challenges with her back. This past Sunday, she was in so much pain that it was extremely hard for her to get out of bed. Well, I had to make a decision; let my oldest stay with her and help or bring both boys with me to church and let her rest. I wrestled with the decision for a bit because I don't want them to miss church. At the same time I did not want my wife to be in need and no one be there for her. I decided to have my oldest stay with her.
Before I left, I pulled him to the side and gave him very specific instructions. "Son, I want you to make sure that your play time is at a minimum and ensure that mommy is well taken care of. If she needs food, drinks, whatever, make sure she gets it." He said he was fine with that. Well, I take the youngest with me to church and choir rehearsal. After church, I returned home to see my beautiful wife looking a lot better. I asked her how she was doing and she tells me that she was fine. But her joy came from my ten year old son being such an incredible servant. She said he brought her the food she needed, the drinks, and whatever requests she wanted. She said he was so attentive to her needs that she just about wanted to cry.
He was growing up. He was maturing. A part of me was thinking that he was supposed to do these things. Another part of me was ridiculously proud of him. And then a small part of me was thinking, "Why does he not do that all the time?" I have to remember that it is a process. It is showing him daily how to serve and setting the example in the home. It was ironic, though- that same day at church, the sermon was about being a servant. Maybe my oldest had read about it in his Bible or seen me try to serve at home. Or maybe, just maybe, he had a secret microphone at church that he was listening to from home. Either way, he stepped up to the plate and I am so proud of him.
Let me know what type of things you are teaching your children to do. We have no off season in learning...
Before I left, I pulled him to the side and gave him very specific instructions. "Son, I want you to make sure that your play time is at a minimum and ensure that mommy is well taken care of. If she needs food, drinks, whatever, make sure she gets it." He said he was fine with that. Well, I take the youngest with me to church and choir rehearsal. After church, I returned home to see my beautiful wife looking a lot better. I asked her how she was doing and she tells me that she was fine. But her joy came from my ten year old son being such an incredible servant. She said he brought her the food she needed, the drinks, and whatever requests she wanted. She said he was so attentive to her needs that she just about wanted to cry.
He was growing up. He was maturing. A part of me was thinking that he was supposed to do these things. Another part of me was ridiculously proud of him. And then a small part of me was thinking, "Why does he not do that all the time?" I have to remember that it is a process. It is showing him daily how to serve and setting the example in the home. It was ironic, though- that same day at church, the sermon was about being a servant. Maybe my oldest had read about it in his Bible or seen me try to serve at home. Or maybe, just maybe, he had a secret microphone at church that he was listening to from home. Either way, he stepped up to the plate and I am so proud of him.
Let me know what type of things you are teaching your children to do. We have no off season in learning...
Dads must exemplify servant leadership. It looks like you're doing a great job because your sons are following your lead.
ReplyDeleteIt is so awe-inspiring to see this in you, son. I am so very proud that you teaching the boys manhood through example and verbally. Keep going and prepare to publish your collection so that other "men", current and futur, will be able to draw strength and direction in their quest to raise their children.
ReplyDeleteappa D