While riding home from a family outing a few days ago, Angie and I were participating in some playful banter back and forth with our 5-year old, Logan. We always do this thing where we ask him who he loves the most? (All in fun, of course) Does he love Dad the most or does he love Mom the most? (On this day,we were also asking him if he loved his new dog, Buddy, the most?) When he makes a choice, the other one of us always pretend we are crying and upset. This always gets Logan going as he tries to see who he can get to be the most upset. Most of the time he finally ends the game when he says: “I love you both the most!” Then everyone is happy! Well, on this day, after the questions about Buddy go on a while, Logan finally says in a sudden moment of deep thought: “You know, there are really 5 people we are supposed to love; The Holy Spirit, God, Jesus, the Angels, and Santa Claus!” ( This conversation has taken place only a couple of days after Christmas, of course!) After everyone has had a good laugh, Logan then says: “And …….there’s one person I don’t love, and he’s down there! (pointing to the ground) And he stinks because he’s Aubren (Auburn)!
It was apparent that he had been influenced by our families love for Bama football! Also throw in Christmas, the church Christmas play, and what he has recently learned from his great Preschool class teachers! All of this together had helped to shape his thoughts about who he should and should not love!
What an awesome responsibility we have as parents and leaders! We are shaping the hearts and minds of the next generation! We all have to be aware that there are always little eyes and little ears watching our every move and attitude about life, love, and God.
Father, may I strive to be a Godly example to all children. May I always be conscious of those little eyes and ears!
