Bling

Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction and do not forsake your mother’s teaching. They will be a garland to grace your head and a chain to adorn your neck. Proverbs 1: 8-9. Each week I have my son memorize a proverb. I show him which one and then we discuss it. For Garrett this verse will be important to him when he is not with us. Yes it is important that he listen to his parents but more importantly that he remembers what we have taught.
As I began to think about this proverb, I wondered what did my parents teach me that is like jewelry, what makes me look good, what makes me stand out? One of the shiniest pieces of jewelry that was given to me was honesty. Do not lie. Tell the truth. In a world where there are so many who stretch the truth about themselves in order to be significant, simple honesty in a person is beautiful. Good sportsmanship is something that I have not always done but was stubbornly taught in our household. Win or lose we are to be gracious, good character is to remain intact. The character of the individual is more important than winning. I remember at one of my little league baseball games I struck out and then hit the ground with the bat. I knew after I had done it that I would be spanked. I was not, but after the parental reprimand I knew I would not get off so easy next time. Today some would say my actions on the field shows virtue. To them hating to lose and a strong desire to win is what’s most important. The young child who throws a tantrum after a loss at tic tac toe would agree with them.
My jewelry is not unique. I find that my brother and sisters have the exact same pieces. I was blessed with parents that had much of this type of wealth.