We have raised our kids to be close, to be respectful, kind and helpful, to each other. To not keep score of rights and wrongs, to forgive, and to love each other and let that love be known. And we have taught them to always be there for each other, to stand with each other and to always have each others backs. They are fiercely loyal to each other, very protective of each other, and highly principled kids that stand by their faith in God, and they stand by their family.
Cole got in trouble this morning when Ana called him to come outside and he refused because he was waiting on his brother Kwamane. He had disobeyed his mother so she corrected him. But Cole was waiting for his brother rather than leaving him behind. We taught them to be there for each other and to never abandon each other.
So was Ana wrong to correct him? No, it was the right thing to do. Our son must obey his mother and father. But was Cole wrong for doing what he was taught and waiting for his brother? No, that was the right thing to do as well.
It all got resolved of course once Ana realized why he had disobeyed but there was still an invaluable lesson in this experience for Cole. He learned that sometimes it will cost you to do the right thing but you still do it because it’s the right thing. He also learned that if he better communicates his circumstances things will most often work out much better but the important lesson was one that will shape his character.
Doing the right thing will sometimes cost you. It can cost you friends, money, position, popularity, acceptance, and so much more, but he learned it’s better to pay the price for doing what you believe than it is compromising and paying a much greater price in the end.
He’s learning this at six years old, and I am so proud of him. I know grown men that still have not learned to apply that principle to their lives.
Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong. 14 Let all that you do be done with love.
1 Corinthians 16:13-14 NKJV
