Hard Work Pays Off!

My last post dealt with my oldest son, Jonah. This one does too. Jonah happens to be at that age where things a happening... sometimes quickly, sometimes slowly.

Last night was probably his final football practice. He has worked hard all year, but he is limited in size and athleticism. His is the smallest kid on the team, but he never gives up. He is working every day to get better, even if his progress seems slow to me. Well, last night he had his best practice of the year. Good tackling. Good field awareness. Cheers and congratulations from his teammates. He was so excited.

The lesson for Jonah is that hard work pays off. I hope he learns to apply that throughout his life. the lesson for me is that I must be patient. My children are doing their best to succeed. The timing is not up to me. Everything comes in its own sweet time. All of my pushing won't speed it up. I should be helpful, but not overbearing.

Last night was sweet indeed. For Jonah, and his proud father.

Not so Little, Not so Big!

Today, we celebrate Jonah's 11th birthday. He is in the 5th grade, completing his first year of tackle football, asking sometimes profound questions, but still a little boy. The question is, when will / should he "grow up"?

Some kids grow up faster than they mature. My wife and I have always felt that most kids are too quick to be "bigger". We also feel like many parents are in too big a hurry as well. Sometimes we think our kids are too naive, but that's OK. We don't want our kids to grow up as much as we want them to mature, at the right pace for them.

Jonah has his issues. We all do. He is not the biggest, the fastest, the strongest or the smartest. That's fine. He IS one of the most loving, most creative, most eager to please little boys that you will ever find. He is well mannered and perhaps a little too mature to get along with the average 5th grader. Jonah is just fine. Dad just needs to remember all of these things when dealing with Jonah.

I want him to be the best man he can be so badly, I push a little too much. I see the potential, and I want to pull it out of him by force. Then, I see my little boy in his eyes and I want to keep that child forever. It's tough being a Dad. especially with little boys who aren't so little anymore.

Welcome

This is my first post to my first blog. I am excited and afraid.

I am starting this because I wanted a place to leave my thoughts, coaching, and teaching that I communicate to my children on a daily basis. Sometimes hourly! My Daughter Hannah Rose is 12. Jonah is 11. Jacob is 9 and Gabriel (Gabe) is 7. they listen well but they sometimes remember poorly. I hope this helps.

I have learned much though my nearly 40 years. My father taught me many things that i try to pass along to my children. My God has revealed many things that I try to share with my children. My sole desire is to raise children who respect others, love themselves and their family, honor their God and do what is right.

It seems that I am never too old to be taught a lesson. My father still instructs me. My God never tires of pointing out my follies. At times, my children are the ones doing the teaching. all of this helps me grow.

When I do learn something, i like to teach others. It helps cement it in my mind. I also believe in passing on wisdom and sharing with others. We could all do a better job at that.