Clumpy peanut butter & raising a man!

The other day we came home from school, and I did the usual "what do you want for lunch?" Noah wanted a sandwich of course and Caleb wanted cookies. As I was at the pantry, Noah asked if he could make the sandwich today.

Sprinting to the fridge for no apparent reason for the Jelly, I told him , it was ok for him to relax a moment and take off his shoes. Truth be told it was easier if I did it, quicker and cleaner. But you know what, as I glanced up to his disappointed look I realized something. I am not just bringing up a boy, I am raising up a man. I am raising someones roommate, and Lord willing someones husband.

As I watch him make his sandwich with TOO much peanut butter clumped all in the middle, and squeeze the jelly all over the table. I realized one day he will smooth it out, and be much neater about it because I let him learn.

You see raising boys, we get into this "I want to take care of my lil boy" mentality. We think that by doing everything for them, we are loving them. Yes we are, but what God is showing me that the best way I can love them is by teaching how to be the men God desires them to be.

I want them to be a helpmate. I want them to know how to cook, do the dishes, do the laundry and clean the house. Until they get married, they will possible live on their own or be a roommate. I want them to know how to survive doing the domesticated duties. In our house, my husband does the laundry and I fix the garbage disposal.

Growing up I loved to watch my dad fix things and get under the car with my dad or brother as they did the brakes. When it comes to domestic duties, I do not think that we should have gender discrimination!

My boys have a heart for service, the last couple of days as I have been sick (yet again) Noah has brought me water, covered me and even prayed for me unsolicited. He heard me asking daddy for water and before my husband had the opportunity to bring it, it was already on the table. I need to let him do this. Even if it isn't pretty, takes up to much time and I have to clean up after him, I need to let him try.

It will not be easy, but I am thankful that the Holy Spirit shows me these teachable moments. Don't you love that about the Lord. How he gives you parenting tips and advice through His spirit, that is free, practical and applicable?

The more work we do now while our children are young, the less work we or someone else will need to do later!

"A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone who is perfectly trained will be like his father"
Luke 6:40

-Moni