to an endless measure.....

Ryder took ISAT's this week. He didn't mind it too much because that meant no homework and because it has been so beautiful here this week he could really play outside a lot. On Wednesday he had to write an essay on "Who is Your Role Model."

He chose his Dad. I am sure this is no surprise to anyone except Brian. In Ryder's essay he said that he could show his dad was his role model because he 1) Loves our family 2) Works really hard and 3) Always wants to spend time with me. It was a really great essay. It was interesting for me to see why he thinks his dad is great. In the paragraph regarding his dad's work he said wrote about how my dad has devoted his life to giving God glory and how his dad works harder than anyone he knows and never complains about it. What a great lesson! Since God loves work shouldn't our children see that our work is fulfilling and enjoyable. He also said that his dad is always willing to spend time with him. Just last weekend Ryder and I were having a talk about how some of the kids in his class either don't know their dad's or have been taken way from their parents because their parents were abusive. What a gift it is to have a parent who wants to spend time with you. Lastly (and my favorite part) he said in the first sentence to prove how much his dad loves our family that "My dad loves my mom to endless measures." I can think of no greater gift that I could give my children than to love their dad and for their dad to love me. It builds them up because they are a reflection of both of us. When I am loving their dad in a since I am loving them. I have had a theory that part of the way you help your children find good mates is to inspire them by your own relationship. Ultimately marriage is suppose to be a reflection of unconditional love of God. I know Ryder is only ten but I am encouraged to see that at least he see's an earthly example to "endless love." Maybe sometime when he feels like God's love might run out he will remember that God's love never ends either just like David did in Ps 100:5 when he said "The Lord is good and His love continues forever; His faithfulness never ends." Now that that would make a great mission statement of every Christian marriage.