Tuesday, March 24, 2009

Heart of Service

If you are a parent, then you know how brutally honest kids can be. In their innocence, they simply say the things that we would never dream because we have learned the social niceties that allow us to make and keep friends. For instance, I can't imagine being invited a second time for dinner if I announced that the main course was "yucky" and threw down my fork. Or for that matter being taken into a confidence again if I announced midway through a soul baring moment that "your breath stinks".

Our children reveal the very worst sides of our character (and personal hygiene), and early on we have to develop thick skin to endure the constant barrage of skin flaying honesty. My children have often pointed a spotlight on my most deep seated insecurities and flaws, and caused me to evaluate myself more carefully. But because of their honesty, their compliments mean so much more to me. They don't compliment to get things from me (yet!), and they haven't learned the art of manipulation (at least not to that degree!).

Trevor relayed a conversation that he had with Nathan the other day that did my heart a world of good.

Nathan: What is your favorite thing to do?

Trevor: I don't know...(thinking)

Nathan: Well, Mommy's favorite thing to do is help people, so what's yours?
He thinks my favorite thing to do is help people. In spite of the red-faced mad woman into which I transform when bathwater is splashed on the floor, homework is not completed in a timely manner and barked commands are not obeyed immediately he still thinks my favorite thing to do is help people.

I just love that little boy!

13 comments:

luvmy4sons said...

Aawh. How precious. What a gift you received there. See what a good mom you are!

Heather C said...

I love it! How precious! Had a similar moment with Noah Sunday. The pastor was giving his message and he was talking about how Jesus calls us to love people who are sometimes difficult to love. Noah leaned over and put his head on my arm and said, "You're EASY to love!" Aaaaaaaaaaw.

Mocha with Linda said...

Sniff, sniff! That's a "kept all these things and pondered them in her heart" moment. He's such a cutie.

And his mom rocks!

TammieFay said...

Soooo sweet! Kids say the darndest things! Don't you just love it?!

Karen said...

You're obviously teaching him the best way, by example. They can be so painfully honest, can't they?

Jill said...

Thanks for being honest...we had one of my not so finest days of parenting yesterday...I was just wondering this morning how my neighbors were talking about me over morning coffee....yes, the windows were open while I was hollering about the water all over the bathroom, the clothes that lined the hallway, the schoolwork and chores not done. I think we will begin this day prepped with some Word and prayer...miracles can happen.

A Stone Gatherer said...

Ah we live for those moments don't we!!!!

Van said...

May our children catch us doing good deeds.

Buffi Young said...

What a wonderful thing for him to say!!! I'm sure it's true too!!! We are definitely walking examples to our kiddos!!! Thanks for sharing this with us!!
Buffi

Kate said...

I'd say Nathan's got you pegged.

Kate

Donetta said...

:)
So true , so many a lesson the children do teach us.

Mary@notbefore7 said...

Those are moments it is like God reaches down and just gives you a big pat on the back! Well done mommy!

So often we see the bad revealed. What a great moment to see the beauty they see!

Carrie @ Cottage Cozy said...

God Bless Them...our young children speak from a "non-edited" heart! Gotta love 'em.

Thanks for your kind words of encouragement Xandra. I truly appreciate your time and thoughts!

Stay Cozy,
Carrie