Ellen and I talked yesterday on our way back from lunch about hearing yourself say things to your own kids that your parents said to you. We further discussed the difference between just continuing the family “lingo” and actually parenting as your parents parented you.
Today, I watched Gabe and Ellen interact with a three-year-old and a four-year-old in a short version of a game of “Battleship”. Totally fascinating to watch their patience and their teaching styles kick in as they made the complex simple enough for a little child to comprehend and take delight in. Even though I think they each have their own special gifts when it comes to that, I also harbor a little hope that maybe a tiny bit of what I see in such moments is something that rubbed off in what they saw in the parenting styles of their own mom and dad.
Savoring the memory of those sunny afternoon minutes , I’m thinking tonight how my Heavenly Father must delight in seeing His traits in me. And I also ponder, more soberly, whether He ever shakes His head and wonders, “Where did I go wrong with that one?”
🙂 I hope to some day have children and gain the joys and challenges that come with child-rearing. You’re so contemplative, Amy. A lovely and valuable trait for sure.