laborofwonder

So as we had some quiet family time together on the couch tonight, we were doing our infant massage techniques on our kids who are no longer infants, while the actual infant (who, waah!, is no longer an infant either, but now a toddler) watched from the sidelines with interest. We began to just talk, and the big Es are currently obsessed with telling you their favorites and so their lists came bubbling out. Then they talked about things like when they get married, and when they are grown ups, and asked questions like, Will we be huuuge grown ups? And would it be ok to wait 90 years before becoming a daddy? And as we told them that it wasn’t necessary to wait 90 years, but preferred to wait until they were really grown ups and were married. I couldn’t help but think about all the things I wanted to tell them, and teach them. There are so many things, about so many different topics, but I’ll try to limit myself… And so today will be part one: The things you should say to boys (or things I want to say to my boys).

• Be respectful. To everyone. Everywhere. People have hurts that sometimes aren’t visible, treat them accordingly.
• Talk to others in a way that wouldn’t leave you embarrassed if you found out your mama was listening.
• Learn to listen (for most men this is an acquired skill, I’m pretty sure). Really listen, not just hear someone making sounds, but the words that they’re saying.
• Treat all women in the manner you should treat your mother: polite, respectful, helpful.
• Be courteous- even if you think it’s not appreciated or deserved. Maybe especially then.
• Be honest.
• Violence (against anyone) is never really the answer.
• Never look down on someone for the way they dress, how they look, or what they believe.
• Be compassionate.
• Never treat people as disposable. They’re not. Even if you date her for a week and find out she’s suuuuper annoying (even if I agree)… you will still treat her as an individual with feelings. Just not an individual you’ll marry.
• When you are dating, try and behave in a manner you won’t be embarrassed to recount to your wife. Or your mother for that matter.
• Never make fun of tears. No matter if they’re from a girl or a boy. Pain is pain. (Compassion my sons!)
• A strong man is someone who knows and accepts his weaknesses (or tries to strengthen himself in those areas).
• Feelings are not a weakness in a man. Embrace them.
• Don’t be run by emotions (or hormones), think things through.
• Think before you speak.
• Don’t let anyone push you around. Be your own man.
• Learn to take charge and to be responsible for things. It’s ok to know what you want- and to go for it.
• Don’t just follow ANYONE just for the sake of a) trying to look cool or fit in, or b) not having to make an actual decision yourself. Neither reason will suit you in the long run.
• Know that you were made to be EXACTLY who you are.
• Know that life really isn’t all about you.
• Reach out a helping hand, whenever you possibly can.
• A man of faith is a lot stronger than a man with no beliefs.
• You’ll stand a lot taller, the more time you spend on your knees.
• Family is a blessing. (Whether you like it or not!)
• Dream dreams, wish wishes, and love your loves. No matter what others may say or think. (Except for your mother, of course.)
• Be secure in who you are, because you will always have people that will support you.
• No matter what else you do in life, what you wear, who your friends are, what your job is, how much money you make, or where you live… remember that your mama loves you. And please always live nearby.