We had a great FHE Monday night. Rebekah had a track meet 1.5 hours away. I kept asking her if she wanted us there. I told her if she didn't mind, I would stay home and get a few things done. She couldn't decide. Finally, I asked her if she could tell me she didn't mind if I stayed home. She couldn't so off Porter, Victoria & I drove 90+ minutes to watch a 12 minute race. She didn't run as well as she has in the past. As we drove home we talked about running and track. We talked about what defined her as a person, and what didn't. There are moments when life is difficult and people are unkind. It's in those moments that knowing who you are makes all the difference. This discussion led into our Family Home Evening lesson. We walked into the house and everyone was "starving". Isabelle had cooked the rice, we all pitched in and had dinner on the table within the hour. As we finished dinner Isabelle asked, "What was the best part of your day?" It led into the conversation about what defines us. We talked about grades, running, physical characteristics, positions, careers & callings. We discussed how none of those things defines a person. They are all things we do but they don't say who we are. Who we are is SO much more than any of those things. I asked each of the kids what defined them? They gave me that blank stare & "I don't know." I started them off with, "Compassion is what defines me. I am compassionate. That is who I am." Casey then added, "I am playful." Rebekah said, "Kind. I am kind." Isabelle had a hard time so everyone said something they thought about Isabelle, "Kind hearted, hard working, obedient." She decided hard working fit her best. Victoria was dependable. Porter is a knowledge seeker. Samantha is forgiving and Ryan, obedient. Not just one thing defines who we are but if we can recognize even one characteristic we can ignore a lot of the garbage life throws our way. We talked about if we let grades define us, what happens when we get a bad grade? Our worth goes down. If running defines us, what happens if we can't run anymore or if we don't run well? Our worth goes down. If we attach our worth to things of this world; sports, grades, money, cars, position, power, beauty, etc. When those things are taken away we are left feeling worthless. However, if we define ourselves by Christ like characteristics, no one can take those away. We chose to be kind, hard working, loving, compassionate, patient, obedient, long suffering, loyal, forgiving. That IS who we are! I love my family. Life is difficult and hurtful. I've realized why my kids are so ready to leave HS behind early. They are taught to turn the other cheek, return kindness for ugliness, stand up for those that are weak and always, always be kind. They don't fight back when unkind things are done. They tend to walk away and choose Christ's ways. Enduring the ugliness day in and day out wears on them. I see it in their eyes. The sadness hits every once in a while and it breaks my heart. But I am SO proud of who they are becoming. I've realized it's time for me to really embrace what Christ has taught. My kids are better at this than I am. As I've watched the choices they've made I see the wisdom in Christ's counsel....
| 38 | ¶ Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth: Ex. 21.24 · Lev. 24.20 · Deut. 19.21 |
| 39 | but I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also. |
| 40 | And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloak also. |
| 41 | And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain. |
| 42 | Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away. |
| 43 | ¶ Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbor, Lev. 19.18 and hate thine enemy. |
| 44 | But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; |
| 45 | that ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. |
| 46 | For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same? |
| 47 | And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so? |
| 48 | Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect. Deut. 18.13 |
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