The other day we had my friend Angie MacDonald over with Kenny and Bob's boys Caleb (13) and Gavin(11).
That evening, after Family Home Evening, Eli mentioned a conversation he had had with Caleb:
David wasn't home from work yet (they were all waiting for him to get home) and Caleb mentioned how his Dad got up every morning at 6:00am so that he could leave by 7:00am for work. That way he could get home earlier in the evening than Eli's dad did.
Eli said that he had told Caleb that his dad got up at 6:00am, too, but that we had "traditions" like scriptures and prayer and family hug, which we do each morning, so he doesn't leave our house as early.
Eli then looked at David and said,"Dad, Do you think that it is more important that you come home earlier, or that we do our traditions?"
David asked, "Eli, What do you think?"
Eli smiled his sweet knowledgable, face-glowing smile, and said, "I think that it is important that we keep doing our traditions."
It sounds so simple, but I was really touched by this experience, and the way my big/little boy could see the right and good in what we are trying to do with our family. We all want David home earlier in the evening, but I am so grateful for the "traditions" (don't you love his use of that word to describe our routines?) we have, and the gift of this conversation--reminding me that my children (who don't always come smiling to prayer and scripture time) may really be getting it!
Love you, Eli!
4 comments:
that is neat that he would bring it up in conversation like that. I do also live that he refered to your morning routine as a tradition. i guess that is what it is. you should send this story into the friend magazine.
That is a choice "pay-back" moment. They make you realize that being a parent is really a great thing to be. Keep up with the traditions!!!
I agree with Rachel. That story belongs in the friend.
priceless...
i LOVE that picture of david and eli. and i LOVE the group hug tradition. we may need to copy it. you make heart pancakes and i'll start group hugs... sound good? eli has always been the funniest, general authority sounding kid ever. he REALLY knows the good answers. :) love ya!!
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