When My Kid Taught Me Kindness

It's no secret, I love my kids. When I run into friends I haven't talked to in a while one of their first responses is, "I've seen those kids grow up on Instagram." I'm incredibly proud of them and enjoy every second (ok, almost every second) of being their dad. I entered parenthood with the mindset, "My job is to teach them." What I have found is parenting is a mutually learning experiencing. In fact, they have taught me as much as I have taught them.

One of those moments happened just the other day. My five year old daughter, Claire, went with me to a chapel service where pastors were invited to pray over the children in the school. It was an amazing experience and I am glad my daughter got to pray with me for them. After the chapel service, we decided to take a walk to the park across the street and then down the street to our favorite coffee shop.

One of the reasons this coffee shop is our favorite is because of their selection of donuts right at the counter. It is one of those things where you don't plan on buying one but then you have to because they are staring you in the face. Self-control will have to be a lesson for another day. I bought Claire a donut, a smoothie, and got a cup of coffee for myself. As we were talking my daughter asked, "Dad, did you eat breakfast?" I said, "No." Then she looked down at her donut, broke it in half, and said, "Here, I want you to have it."

Of course, I declined wanting her to have the donut even though inside I was burning with hunger. Then she said, "No Dad, I want you to have it. If you didn't eat breakfast, I don't want you to be hungry. Take it." Now, this may seem like a small gesture, but this small gesture made a big impact on me. How reluctant is my heart to give to others? How often am I tempted to hold on rather than easily letting go? I thanked my little girl, ate the half donut, and thanked the Lord for not taking a break on my own sanctification even when I see Him growing her in her own sanctification.

Be kind to one another...

Ephesians 4:32