100 Words

I worried and prayed and strove and sought advice and everything else with regard to traits in my children that concerned me. Nothing I did worked. But, one day, some problems disappeared. If I had known it would be so, I would have avoided the heartache for everyone by my striving.

I told this to a father of young children along with my other observation that some traits never change. See Children Don’t Change Here

How do you know which foibles children will outgrow if you leave them alone?” he asked.

“You don’t,” I said. “Just take comfort that sometimes—actually many times—it happens as they mature.”

When I approach a child, he inspires me in two sentiments—tenderness for what he is and respect for what he may become.

Louis Pasteur

An acquaintance said, “The way a baby nurses is the way he eats the rest of his life.”

I remembered, and it proved to be true for my family. My preemie nursed for an hour, and returned in two hours. He is still my slowest and most frequent eater. We say he grazes.  Another son filled his baby tummy in minutes and was content for hours. As an adult, he is my quickest, best eater and snacks the least.

One son was only three when he studied—perhaps memorized—the dog pictures in the “D” encyclopedia. He read encyclopedias for fun when he was seven. He is our scholar.

When barely two, one son was inconsolable when we left a campground. The love of camping never left him and being outdoors is still a priority. Our silliest toddler is now known for his dry wit and entertains us much.

These observations can be both consoling and humbling. They were born that way—both the good and the frustrating—I sometimes remind myself.

I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.

Psalm 139:14 (ESV)