Sinking In and Bubbling Up!

So, how often do moms feel like they are beating their heads against the wall...I mean...you are trying to teach your kids a lesson, or a virtue, and it just isn't sinking in? Well, I feel like that often...although I've realized its not something they are going to get perfect the first time and I never have to revisit the issue. Ha! I wish. Instead, I've found these things S-L-O-W-L-Y sink in over time...often much more time than I had hoped. Lately I've been encouraged by a few virtues that must be sinking in...because every so often they come bubbling to the surface.

Example #1
This week we went to church on Saturday night. After the service I went to pick up the boys from their classroom. As we were standing in the hall, Brady and Luke's teacher had picked up a baby swing and was attempting to move it. Well, next thing I know, without a word, BOTH boys each grabbed a leg of the swing and helped her pick it up. They led her out, around the corner, down the hall, through many people, down to the baby nursery and helped her set it down. I watched in awe...and yes, a bit of shock! MY boys....my sweet boys, saw a need and were determined to help...without being asked! As I reflect on that moment, I can see the fruits of many lessons I've tried to teach bubbling to the surface.

Example #2
Saturday morning I felt a bit better, and the sun was shining, so I took the boys to watch Andy's football game. We sat in the bleachers and the boys quickly found two little girls to play with. The 4 kids made a game out of running all the way across the bleachers, from one rail/fence to the other. I told Brady to be careful and not lean on the fence...it didn't seem especially safe, and I didn't want them to slip through and fall to the ground. Well, they played for awhile, and I noticed that Brady was slowing up to stay near the littlest girl. He looked at me and said, "Mom, I'm just going to stay by her and make sure she doesn't fall and get hurt. That way you can just watch the football and you don't have to worry about us."
!!!! I'm thinking, "What did he just say? Was that for real? He is showing concern for someone else, caring for a little girl, caring for me, thinking about me and knowing I want to watch the game?" I managed to pull myself together just in time to thank my son for being so kind before they continued on in their play.

Now, lest you think I simply have shining stars for children, I'm sure you can guess that I could write a whole book about my parenting frustrations. However, isn't it better to dwell on those special moments when all your/my hard work comes to fruition...even if just for a moment? I hope this encourages you parents as it has me. If we keep at it, and look carefully, those lessons we are trying to make sink in...okay sometimes pound in...will eventually come bubbling back up to the top! Here's to more bubbling!