Passions

Parenting is so often just plain hard.  Molding the characters of three little ones is exhausting and thankless work.  I often question myself.  I often sit awake at night trying to figure out how to do better the next day.  I often drive myself crazy with the "what-ifs" of each decision I try to make for them.  So, when I get to have a day when I am the good guy, it feels pretty darn good.

Today, I bought Colin his first (I hope of many) guitar.  I signed him up for lessons and brought him home to play a few notes.  He beamed from ear to ear.  He bounced with excitement.  He asked often how many days until his lessons start.  This is one of those things that he can decide to do not because he is fast enough, strong enough, smart enough, or tall enough. But, he can decide to do this because he wants to.  He can decide to do this because he LOVES music.  I know there are days ahead when it won't feel so new and exciting and I will feel the need to nag.  I know that Mary had a Little Lamb is going to get really old after I hear it for the millionth time.  I know we probably aren't destined for the stage and stardom.  But, I LOVE to encourage my kids passions.

Our friend Deb Kokemueller died in April after many years of courageously battling cancer.  We spent Sunday night with her family celebrating her life on what would have been her birthday.  As I think about her, I often am reminded of how she really encouraged me to be a better mom.  And I don't mean she always said the right things or was a that supermom that makes you feel like less of a person.  I mean because she loved her kids with everything she had and encouraged them in the things they found passion doing.  She made sure they were able to live their dreams and she was there every step of the way to cheer them on.  I feel blessed that she modeled how important is for me to cheer for my kids in the things they find important.  I feel blessed when I can encourage my kids to be passionate about something new.  And, today was the kind of day where I felt truly blessed.

So reach for the stars kids!  I will be here cheering you on.  And I can't wait to see what passion you find in the end of it all.