Thursday, January 22, 2009

Confidence


P has been blossoming before our very eyes in the last few months. Our normally passive son has become a bit more spunky and confident. In the last several weeks he has spontaneously said, "I love being me!" on three separate occasions with a huge grin on his face.

I must admit my immediate reaction is always a bit of shock. Should I use this as a chance to teach him humility? No, the world will bring its share of that over the course of the next few years. Instead of correcting him, I have chosen lately to agree with him. I love you, too. You are a cool kid!

"I know," he replies, still smiling.

I cannot explain it, but at 4 1/2 at least, his attitude is not the least bit arrogant. It is much more of a contentedness that makes my heart swell with happiness. I want him to be secure in who he is, ready to explore the life God has planned for him.

Every mother knows that you have different fears for each of your children. One of my fears for P has been his confidence. K & R are so much more verbal, achievement oriented performers. P doesn't scrap for approval and accolades like they do. I am learning that contrary to my initial belief that this attribute might be a weakness, it seems to instead be a strength. And my fear that he may have less self worth than his siblings is apparently unfounded.

"You're blessed when you're content with just who you are—no more, no less. That's the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can't be bought.
Matthew 5:5 (The Message)

6 comments:

Tonya Ingram said...

Precious! I have the same fear with my oldest, Caleb. He's more laid back and much more shyer than Coby. I too wonder if self worth will be a weakness, which is why I pour the encouragement and make everything he does a big deal. I want him to know he can do anything and everything by the ability God has given him.

k and c's mom said...

I can't help but believe that your resolution to laugh more has brought more joy to your boy! (And all the other family members, too.)

Melene@Sing For Joy said...

I'm sure that part of the reason he loves being who he is has to do with the fact that he KNOWS he is so loved by his Mom and Dad and God.

storey said...

I LOVE IT!!! What a blessing!!!

FaceforGrace said...

Oh how cute! "I love being me!" I love that...just think of the kids in the world who can't say that for one reason or another. Too sweet.

Deidre said...

I believe God gives us MANY opportunities to teach our children about humility. But, how GREAT is it that he enjoys being himself and thinks he is the coolest at this age. I love that. Absolutely nothing wrong with a little confidence. Too soon, the world will try to strip that from him. Yes, it's a great strength!