Lessons from Children

On Sunday I shared lessons people have learned from their children.  I appreciate everyone who shared their thoughts.  I could not share all of them but said I would post them here.

Enjoy and I hope you are challenged.

• Hugs are wonderful!!! You’re never too old to give or receive them.
• I recognized the kernel of truth in Bill Cosby’s statement from many years ago. He learned from his kids that he would rather have quiet than justice.
• A mom must have a good sence of humor!
• Be open to different cultures, people, and places. Get to know someone of a different race.  Our world becomes much richer from doing so.
• Not to burp(to loudly) in front of them, it’s rude.
• Even if you don’t like something that was given to you, suck it up and say thank you.
• You must be flexiable, not just reaching into the backseat while driving, but to be able to change your schedule or routine
• It is okay to allow them to make mistakes.  Too often I want to step in and ”fix ” things.  I am realizing that as much as I would like to be,  I am not in control, God is, and He doesn’t need my help.
• Watch what you say around your kids, they will quote you at the most inopportune time.
• My kids have taught me the true meaning of patience
• I find that when I put my desires first and my agenda ahead of their needs (play time, reading, quiet time,) the day goes bad.  I find when I have a servants heart and put them in 1st place, the day goes great.
  
• Ever perceptive of my (techno) habits and tendencies, my four-year old daughter a couple of years ago ask me a question as we were working together.  “Daddy, what is heaven like?”  My quick response was something like:  “Well dear, it’s sort of hard to explain!”  To which she quickly replied, “Naw Dad, just ask the Blackberry!”  Makes me wonder if she sees me being more dependent on the Blackberry (and other stuff) for life’s answers than God’s Word.  Sort of convicting.
• Make sure you do something fun with them while mom is gone, or they tell her they didn’t do anything when she returns.
• The best gift we can give someone is our time.  “I don’t want to go out to the toy store later mommy, I don’t want to go out for tea and scones. I just want to be with you. No computer. No seminary, just me and you.”
• My Girls would always say “It be OK, daddy”, when something would go wrong.  To have the faith of a child.