The list contained everything we believed or hoped our children would know, be, or have the confidence to do by the time they graduated from high school. As a parent, it is overwhelming,
Cleaning up from dinner, getting clothes out for the next day, and bathing each child is a whirlwind of exercise. (And that last one is about as easy as trying to wrangle a 30 pounds pig slathered in baby oil). Needless to say, by the time we get all the kids into a bedroom to wrap up the day...
To love our kids well, we must speak words. That means for me, I have to dial it back and ensure my words are fitly spoken. For my wife, that means she has to speak the words she thinks and writes.
Stories are fascinating. They draw us in. They enamor us. Stories compel us toward compassion and action. They often teach in a far more effective way than any didactic monologue ever could. The greatest teachers of history knew the power of story.
They say you should try walking in someone else's shoes. This is especially the case when it comes to compassion and sympathy. There are so many people that I have never walked in their shoes, including my children.
Success as a parent is elusive. It seems as if the target is always moving. At bare minimum, it's overwhelming to think about all the areas we hope to raise our children successfully.
Preacher on the Run... 