Primary Business

Two days ago, children presented hand-made cards, ties, pocket knives, money clips, grilling tools, and the like to their fathers.  As a father, I have always enjoyed receiving heart-felt gifts.  As a son, I am grateful for the gift of a good example set by my dad. 

The preacher of renown (and namesake of my place of seminary training), George W. Truett argued that . . .

“The primary business of parents is to train up their children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.”

I commit myself to conduct such business.  I am thankful for God as I receive grace during my on-the-job training.  The business of training is not for the faint of heart.  I welcome all the insights at my disposal. 

Several years ago I came across such helpful insights, which are attributed to an elementary Sunday School teacher.  William E. Young, drawing from his years of experience teaching Bible stories and life lessons to first grade-aged children, counseled parents on how to empower their kids.  

Five Ways to Empower your Child’s Spiritual Growth

(1) Love him/her unconditionally

(2) Be available

(3) Forgive your child

“Continue to express your love
to your children especially when
it is difficult.”

(4) Model what you want learned

(5) Be intentional in your teaching

Well said, Mr. Young!

Who Would Disney Cast?

Along our journey from the Rock'n'Roller Coaster to the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular, my family and I ventured through the Walt Disney: One Man's Dream exhibit.  Just past the school desk upon which, in second grade, Walt carved the letters W and D, one word caught my eye.  If you read my blog regularly, you can guess the word.  Ordinary.

In preparation for the debut of his new daily show, Disney spoke of his choice for casting Mouseketeers.  He said, "I don't want kids that blow trumpets while they're tap-dancing.  I just want ordinary kids."  I am not privy to the method Disney's people used to seek such would-be actors, but I know that from 1955 to 1959 (first run), ordinary kids brought laughter and smiles into homes nationwide. 

Why did Disney seek ordinary kids?  Since I can only guess, I will.

I believe he wanted for those who starred in his show to be, in a word, relatable.  Relatability produces a sense of camaraderie.  Surely Disney understood the value of camaraderie.  He knew that his show's viewers would enjoy "connecting" with those children on The Mickey Mouse Club.

I cannot sketch a cartoon-worthy mouse or design a world-renown theme park; but like Disney, I understand the value of camaraderie and connectability and how the latter and the former fuel each other.  Living the Ordinary Life includes intentionally living in such a manner that people feel you are one with whom they can connect.

Be connectable!

You Make Him Smile

The last note of the song still hung in the air as the gracious host who opened his home and Steinway to the young musicians addressed me with a smile and said, "I was watching you as you watched them.  I did the same when my kids played."  He was referring to my uber-focused attention on my daughter and youngest son as their fingers glided across the keys during the semi-annual recital.  Our host noticed my fixed attention and fatherly grin. 

My children owe their skill to practice and genes (my wife's, not mine).  As those two play piano and my other son plays guitar, joy fills me.  For one thing, I love music.  For another, and more important reason, I love them.  I enjoy watching my children using their talents.

Our Father in Heaven enjoys watching His children using their talents, too.  A minor (due to length of writing, not importance) prophet in the Old Testament told the Hebrew people of a great day of restoration.  In his words, Zephaniah wrote . . .

"[The Lord] will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing." (3:17 b-c)

Those words cheer me.  The thought of God delighting in me amazes me.  I desire to make Him smile.  With that pursuit in mind, I remember the words of Jesus.

In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
Matthew 5:16

Play your piece.  Sing your song.  Serve Him faithfully.  Place your Ordinary life before God.

He smiles when you do.