Isn’t it ironic…as I sit down to write a post about the character qualities I am seeing God build in our children’s lives, two of them are fighting and hitting each other and have to take a time-out, apologize, forgive, etc. 
It is true that we ALL need time-outs every now and then AND that this is a process that takes time with lots of ups and downs!
Anyway, yesterday on the way to soccer practice we were talking about school ending soon and I asked Addie what qualities she sees in her teacher that she would like to have when she grows up. Addie answered, “Well, she has character, she reads fluently, and she teaches well. I want to be able to do that when I grow up. But I don’t know yet what I want to be when I grow up.” We assured her that she has lots of time to pursue whatever it is that God wants her to do to serve him with her talents and gifting. She said that her favorite part of first grade was being with her teacher, Mrs. Quinn.
Then on the way home from practice we got some Rita’s italian ice treats and Mandy told me the story that Addie told her earlier… One of her friends at school wanted Addie to bring extra treats in her lunch to give to the friend, but we had told Addie to either share the one or just give the one to the friend. Well her friend said “just get another one when your mom is not looking.” Addie responded saying that she wasn’t going to do that. Mandy told her that showed maturity to stand up for what is right. Then Addie said, “yeah, kinda like Elijah, or Elisha I can’t remember which one, when he stood up for God.”
It is so fun to see growth in your kids, and I am so thankful for the many people that have influenced them in positive ways…church children’s ministry workers, our friends, teachers, family members, and others. It takes a community to raise children who will live in the ways of the kingdom of God. Thanks to all you who help us.
Do you have any stories of people who have been a positive influence in your kids or in your life?
