Little Eyes...

My son watches me.  Both the good and bad....he takes it all in forming his opinions of his relationship with me and the world around him.  The things that I love...he loves.  This is why I am purposeful in my faith, deeds and things that come out of my very vocal mouth.

I teach Art at the Ymca.  My son goes with me and when class is done he plays for a while with the other children.  He and another little boy where playing with a doll house.  They had turned it into a war zone and  were protecting the women and children in the house.  I listened to all the sound effects and the dialog between these two young heros while I was putting everything away and to my horror I heard one of the teachers say to him, "Well, you're just an evil little boy aren't you?"  I was livid.  I used a great amount of self control and gently corrected her.  She told me she was there to 'practice' for when she has her own kids....keep practicing lady.  The world will speak stupid things to our children soon enough.   I talked to him later about what she had said.  I told him that he wasn't evil and talked about all the wonderful qualities that make him who he is... loving, good friend, protector, creative, sweet son, etc.

A friend and I feed the homeless every weekend.  We load up red wagons and walk downtown, the skate park and other areas.  Sometimes I take my boy with me.  He is moved at what he sees.  The poverty and brokenness of the people has made an impression on him.  He has compassion.  He watches us and follows suit.

Serving homemade pizza...

My relatives run a soup kitchen in Burney and we head to the mountains a couple of times a month to serve.  Sam likes to go and hangs out in the thrift store that helps fund the kitchen.  This week though, he asked me if he could serve the food.  I had him glove up and he jumped right in...I watched him recite the menu to each person and ask them what they would like to eat and then pick up a plate and begin to dish  up the food.  He carried on conversations with the people and smiled as he handed them their plates.  A while later he walked out into the dining room and began asking the people if they enjoyed the food and how did it taste.  I was so proud of him.  He watches.  He listens.  He acts.

How I treat people is how he treats people.  I am increasingly aware of this.  There are a few choice words I use when I am irritated (not cuss words)...but words my momma would frown at ;)...I heard him using my language on his dog the other day and made a mental note.  He watches and listens.

Serving the Chicken Salad

Taking a break and using the left over pizza foil.  He believes in recycling!

I need to make every moment count.  I need to watch my words.  I need to be aware of what he sees and not just when he is watching me.  Too soon he  will grown and my job of setting his feet on the right path will be done and then I will get to watch HIM and listen to HIM.  I have no doubt that he will be a wonderful man full of his faith and compassion for others.  Not because of me...but because of WHO we serve and how we serve.