That day that you definitely need to get your cries out in advance of arrived today. Since I forgot to process my happy-grief beforehand, the gravity is heavier than I wanted. Twelve transient years of progress complete, with the last one being a weave of underwhelm and disappointment; but I will look back and remember how my son always seemed to have sugar for the lemons…when I had to push down that I didn’t. This is just one of the ways he’s taught me to live better.

I can’t take credit for the lesson-worthy traits God entwined in my son’s personality from the beginning that he’s been honing for years. There are traits your kids learn from being in your home (we’d love for them to be all good, but…), and there are traits that are absolutely from God. I’m focusing on his God traits that are a blessing today.

When we see our kids living out life in the way that maybe we should, this can be a humbling moment where God is saying “Hey, are YOU being the right kind of example right now?” So here’s a few extraordinary examples God has gifted to me through the one I’m preparing to send off:

• The example of LISTENING-

I don’t know how early elementary achievement tests can accurately test listening skills, but when my son’s test said “99th percentile – Listening,” it wasn’t joking. He has proven to be my #1 life example for listening, because I just don’t know anyone else who listens like he does. He remembers things I’ve said, from instructions to my regular randomness, that no one else has a clue I ever uttered – because he listens with such intent. What an example he is for me since I need growth in this area…in fact, most of us do. Think of the people that would feel more important, respected and relationally connected if they truly believed they were being LISTENED TO. Even in our own homes.

I’m praising God for my listener son today.

My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, James 1:19

• The example of PERSEVERANCE-

When we left our home-town six years ago and transitioned to our new town in a new state, there wasn’t ONE MOMENT of sulking, not one. Upon arrival he dove into activities, new school and friends, a major feat for a leaning-introvert. He didn’t miss a beat.

When a serious sports injury put him in a course-changing situation last year, navigating away from a child-hood hard-fought dream and a plan we assumed would be part of the course, he found a new great endeavor to focus on (and there was me in a “sugar shortage”). And when a huge future goal came closer to reality only to take a turn for the worse in the the 11th hour, again he turned it around in the most extraordinary way. Again I’ve been humbled, since this type of behavior is not my default. He has inspired me to work harder, think higher and to push forward undeterred. Undeterred with a passion to live life full.

During challenging times, I can look to the example he has been in our home and say, “My son would choose to drive on. I will too.” What a gift.

Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us. Romans 5: 3-5

Love you, PJ.