CHARACTER

“People do not seem to realize that their opinion of the world is also a confession of character.” -Ralph Waldo Emerson

It is my desperate hope and prayer that I raise my children to know what character is, how it is shaped,  and the importance of it's value in their lives. 

 

TODAY: Jeffrey comes to me with his reading log to sign that he has clearly just filled out.  His reading times for the last week showed that he read 30 min a day, every day, from a book that ...wait for it... he just checked out from the library today.  (sigh)

Me: Jeffrey, is the information on this reading log honest?

Jeffrey: yes.

Me: Jeffrey, this is honest? You read every day for the past 7 days from a book that you just checked out today? This is your chance. (please tell the truth)

Jeffrey: no, it's not honest, but I did read two chapters today, but you need to sign it. 

Me: Jeffrey, if I sign it, then not only you would be a liar, but I would be a liar. I am not willing to be a liar. 

Jeffrey: Mom, she's not going to know

Me: (cringe) ok. Time to talk about character.  Get comfortable; after my 5 minute lecture, you will be able to tell me what godly character looks like.

Jeffrey: (overly heavy) sigh. 

I realize that this is minor in comparison to what could be considered as big life mistakes.  It is, however, one of the many tiny things that begin to shape character from childhood, into adolescence, into adulthood.  People know us by our character.  People decide whether or not to trust us based on our character. Our thoughts, our words, our behaviors; it all comes down to our character.  Doing the right thing when no one will ever know that you are doing the right thing. 

SO MUCH IN MY HEAD

Often times I will sit here on my blog, with a blank page in front of me and literally millions of thoughts rushing through my head on what to write about.  I think the difference between me and some of the great writers (speaking to you, brotha)  I know is that I just continue to sit and stare and think about which thought I should touch on. Too many thoughts rushing around, no beginning to my thoughts, no end. I just want to PICK ONE! Sadly, I don't think that will happen tonight.  Instead, I am going to give some shout outs. 

Mom: Thank you for your generous and loving spirit.  You are an amazing example of acceptance, love, honesty, and integrity. You regularly choose to forgive instead of blame or hold grudges. I am thankful for you in my life. 

Dad: You are terribly missed, and when I think about it, it still stings my heart.  Thank you for your example of humility. You never pretended to be perfect, nor did you ever steal God's glory for your successes. 

Mark and Richelle: Your constant love and support of me, my children, and my family never goes unnoticed.  Your work ethic, encouragement, and positive outlook are examples to many more than just me.  I give thanks for you both on a regular basis. 

Wendi: Your complete dependence upon God is the best example I could ever have in my life.  Your boldness to do what the bible says about: prayer, love, giving, speaking, worshiping, repentance, forgiveness, and complete surrender are a daily inspiration to me.  You point others not to yourself, but to God.  You don't participate in gossip, or alienation, but overflow with Christlike character. 

Brian: I am thankful for your gift of writing; for your willingness to let me in your head on occasion and experience life through your eyes. Keep your head up. You will survive the storms ahead. I love how often you share your love for others to help you to stay focused on what truly matters.  I love you. 

 

Paddy: I am so excited to watch you take on fatherhood.  I love how you appreciate each one of your nieces and nephews and the entertainment and joy they bring to the world.  You are genuine and kind to everyone. You will make a wonderful daddy.

Mo: You are missed. I wish you were here. Ok, no guilt trip. I'm thankful that all of us can count on you for regular comments and encouragement. You are like human sunshine. 

Now that I've started, my mind is even more full of people and character traits that I am thankful to have in my life.  I will not continue tonight, but will save them for another time.

Peace

Oddly, this is how I feel right now.  One might think I would feel completely overwhelmed, tired, stressed, or tipping towards the edge of reality if they looked at my calendar.  My calendar includes 7 scheduled class times at UNR, 2 Starbucks work mornings, 1 night of teaching bible study, 9 karate classes, 2 ballet classes, 1 soccer practice, 1 soccer game, and at least one scheduled appointment....per week.  My life also includes the usual: daily homework of my own and checking and helping with homework of 3 kids, dinners, laundry, quality marriage time with that hottie I'm married to, quality family time with those wild monkeys I live with, and quality friendship time.  How is it that I am functioning (seemingly) well with all of these balls in the air? Grace. God's grace is upon me and I'm truly thankful to see the beauty that is life all around me.  It is a new season.  It's busy, and full and wonderful.

FRIENDS- not the tv show

There were 17 bodies sleeping under my roof last night. (I did count the frog and the hamster).  We just had a weekend packed with conversation, laughter, food, and friendship.  I was blessed tremendously by our visitors and actually hope that it happens again soon. Michael crawled into bed last night and said, "I love having a house full of friends".  I felt so thankful in that moment that the 2 families who came to visit were as easy going and accepting as they were; and everyone was able to enjoy one another. I'm thankful that Michael has these men in his life who he genuinely connects with.  I think it's so important to have such relationships and while Michael is loved by many and has always been so easy to be around socially; I've never seen him so comfortable and content as he is when he is around these guys.  It's one of those things that makes me genuinely happy. To hear him laugh so much this weekend was awesome.