Cinnamon Toast

Over a bowl of oatmeal and cinnamon toast this morning The Flower Child made an observation that struck me as rather profound. Of course, she didn't realize that, but was simply stating an observation. She thought it was interesting that she and her sister both liked cinnamon toast like their Dad, but The Man Child and I both don't like cinnamon. We do, however, both like cinnamon graham crackers. I began thinking of the traits and similarities between me and The Man Child. For several years now The Man Child has been the carbon copy of my husband. Everybody tells us so. His mannerisms, penchant for math, and square jawline all are MOTH's. But if you look very carefully his nose is mine. His sensitivity is a trait he got mainly from me. Neither of us can spell cinnamon without looking it up. Then there are the learned traits. Some good, some not so great. He is very cautious in new situations which causes him to think through what he will do and say. He tends to panic if he can't figure out what is going to be the end result of a situation. He embarrasses easily. I began to wonder, which traits has my son learned from me that may not be Godly....that he may regret learning someday?  Which traits do I want him to learn from me?

I would like him to learn to say what he means and mean what he says. For him to learn this I have to do this. I would love for him to use his sensitivity not to be hurt in every situation, but instead to love others. I have to do this first. I would like him to learn to use his cautiousness as a way to be "quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger." (James 1:19) As parents, we need to take a long look at ourselves and ask ourselves, "Is this a trait I want my child to have and use?" Your children can't help the nose they get or having a square jawline, but you can choose other traits. You can choose to be slow to anger. You can choose to have self control. What do you choose today?

I lay the sins of the parents upon their children; the entire family is affected - even children in the third and fourth generations of those who reject me. (Deuteronomy 5:9)