Bear and I were discussing our desire to homeschool, when suddenly he asked me, "What do you hope to teach our son?" I replied, "Well, math, science, history, English... Ya know, the whole 9." "No, no, no... What do you want to teach him? Instill in him?" Oh man. Intense. There are so many things I want to teach him. They all came rushing at me and stopped on my tongue, trapped in a 20-car pile up behind my lips. Since my pregnancy, I've lost all ability to articulate. "Uh, to be a good person?" But Bean, my son, there is so much more... I hope to teach you truth and honesty. And I hope to teach you how to share these things in love, not harshness. I hope to teach you that it is okay to be angry, to be frustrated, and to share those feelings, constructively and with a confidant. I hope to teach you how to deal with those feelings, so that you do not become wrapped up in them. I hope to teach you the value of communication: to say what you mean and mean what you say. To think about your reply before giving it, and to judge whether or not your opinion is truly needed in a situation (sometimes it will be, most of the time it will not). There is power in words I do not think we will ever be able to fully comprehend. I hope that you will be a man of your word, that you only make promises you keep (not just intend to keep). I hope to teach you that no means no. And not just when your daddy or I say it, but when you say it, too. (Terrible twos may or may not fall under this one... We'll see <3). I hope to teach you how to enjoy life. To smile and laugh as often as possible. I hope to show you how to eat AND enjoy a healthy diet. That veggies aren't poisonous, but too much fast food is. I hope to teach you the value of proper hygiene. First impressions are big, though they aren't everything. I want you to feel like you can always put your best foot forward. Plus, it doesn't hurt to smell good. ;) I hope I teach you confidence, to be true to who you are and to fully believe in yourself. To stand your ground for what you believe in. I also hope to teach you to be respectful of other people's beliefs. Just because they are not your own does not mean they are less. Be open-minded and open-hearted. Be knowledgeable of the other side. I want you to not be afraid of being wrong. I also want you to not be afraid to change your mind. I do not want you to be wishy-washy, but I do want you to be well-informed and make positive decisions based on the best information. I hope to instill in you curiosity, wonder, and a thirst for knowledge. I hope that these virtues stay with you for life, and that you never feel the need to "outgrow" them. I hope you will be as much in awe of all God's creation as an adult as you are as a child. I hope that you remain child-like, and not childish, and that you know the difference. I hope to teach you to be a man. Not the kind that feels he must domineer over others to feel worth, but the kind who finds his worth in God and helping others find their worth. I hope that you see every person as an equal, none better or worse than any other, regardless of gender, race, age, creed, sexuality, or life path. I hope to show you that you are unique, and that this makes you special. And that your uniqueness should be used for the benefit of others, and not to make yourself feel better than anyone else. I hope to teach you the value if having good friends and being a good friend. I hope that you learn to be grateful and generous with what you have, materially and otherwise, and to not be envious of what you don't. I hope to teach you the value of a dollar, and the value of putting in your time and effort towards earning your money. To work hard for what you want, and be proud of your accomplishments. I hope to instill in you great money management skills. To prioritize responsibility before pleasure, and to understand the benefit of a good savings account. I hope that you understand that money isn't everything, that family and friends give you more than money ever can. I hope to teach you "everything in moderation." This would include, but not be limited to, time, money, work, play, and food. I hope you learn to be giving of your time and resources, but that you do not allow yourself to be taken advantage of. Guard your heart, but do not let it grow hard or build to strong a wall around it. Most of all, I hope that you learn to love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself.
2 Comments
9/10/2014 08:56:26 am
I love this I miss u, uncle Robert, and bean
Reply
Mama Bear
9/12/2014 07:30:00 am
We love you and miss you, too, doll!
Reply
Leave a Reply. |
Categories
All
AuthorMama Bear of one Baby Bear, Bean, who both love Papa Bear, and live in a crafty, gluten-free cozy den. Archives
June 2017
|