Monday, December 12, 2011

When will I learn?

Yesterday one of my boys was sad because he had been in trouble. Feeling sorry for himself, he opted out of a treat his brothers were enjoying. One of the remaining three bounded up to me, joyfully asking if he could have his brother's share.

Sigh.

Where is the concern for your brother, I asked? The compassion? The love? How can you think about yourself when someone else is feeling sad?


I realised I do the same thing. I'm a slow learner. Apparently.

Yesterday we spent considerable time shopping for and delivering nine boxes for Ethan's 'White Box Foundation'. You can read about how his foundation started here: http://sixgoodfigs.blogspot.com/2011/09/impacting-his-world.html


The boxes were delivered to people with hardly a possession. A number of the recipients were found sifting through rubbish in the hope to find some food. They are unlikely to have much food tomorrow. Or the next day. 


And I spent my afternoon wondering if I should buy that pair of shoes I saw. The green pair. The perfect green pair.


How is that any different to my son? How can I be so quick to pick up on their character flaws? And very slow regarding mine.


Ever so grateful for a patient God.

What about you? What are your children teaching you?






 Giving thanks:
  • Boys who give.
  • Boys who love.
  • Boys who fail.
  • Boys who teach.
  • Boys who forgive.
  • People who give to the 'White Box Foundation', so that my boys can give to others.
  • Home made Christmas decorations, holding the memory of their little hands.
  • Carols, played hesitatingly on the piano.
  • Carols by a gorgeous Indonesian choir.
  • 'Christmas market' gifts from the boys, one which caused tears to stream - from laughter, not joy!

4 comments:

  1. Thank you for sharing the blessing of your boys' hearts. They made me smile. :)

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  2. My husband always says that he learns more about his faults when correcting one of the children than he does in searching his own soul... ;)

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  3. @Stacy Thank you. They make me smile too. :-)

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  4. @journeytoepiphany You have a wise husband!!

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