A Learning Moment

I was sitting at the computer desk the other day and the kids were surrounding my chair. We were playing- making funny noises, talking, and basically enjoying our time together.

Seth put on my shoes and hat, muscled his way through the cluster of kids so that he could be right next to me, and said, "I'm being you" (meaning me). The girls thought that was pretty funny, so they started babbling to me as well. They all wanted my attention, so they were jostling each other to be the closest to my chair. Since Seth is a good head taller than the girls, he was the most successful at staying close to me. He announced again, "I want to be just like you, Daddy."

I was touched by the sentiment, but conflicted emotionally by what I saw the kids doing. They were fighting- pushing each other to compete for my attention. I understand it, but it makes me sad to see them fight.

And then it happened- just like in some dramatic novel. My thoughts were swept away and drawn to a circumstance recorded in the New Testament. I could picture the Savior talking with Peter, the chief apostle. He was trying to convey the same emotion to Peter with his plea "Feed my sheep". I could almost hear Him say it because I felt that same emotion in my heart. I love my children dearly and I want them all to be happy. But since there's only one of me, I need them to be kind to and show support for each other. They can help me keep everyone happy.

So, as gently as I could (not at all meant to be critical of his actions), I plead with my son. "Seth, if you want to be like me, you should be kind to your little sisters like I am." He looked around and realized that he had been pushing and then stepped back to let the twins get closer to me. He understood. Just like Peter did, he showed me that he loved me.