blog posts

23 / 52 – Teachers

June 12, 2016ernie

Branden has this memory about his dad from when he was a little kid. He tells the boys about how Papa would wake him up early in the morning, when the rest of the house was still asleep. His dad would take out his Bible and read. Branden would wrap himself up in a big blanket and sit on top of a heating vent to keep warm, enjoying this quiet time with his dad before the day began.

These days, the boys ask Branden to wake them up before he leaves for work too. When the sun is just taking the horizon, before the day really begins, they sit with him at the breakfast table, Bibles open. Branden usually reads aloud to them, then there are a few minutes of discussion, questions, even laughter. Teaching.

Last week we got to drive up to Wyoming and visit with Branden’s parents. The time at Grammy and Papa’s house is always both full and relaxed. One of the days, we went fishing, which is a normal activity during our trips up to see them. Warm, fresh air, lots of sunshine, quiet waters, and family.

When the kids were really little, fishing was still exciting, but sometimes it was more chasing and playing than actually fishing. This trip, Papa taught Silas how to cast his own rod. He listened and tried to follow as Papa gave directions and showed him how to reel, cast, and hold the line. Papa helped him, gently repeated instructions, and encouraged progress. And Silas learned how to do something he’s wanted to on his own for a long time.

We’re learning right now that so much of the richness God has for us to enjoy is in people.

I’m grateful that teaching happens not only at desks with books and pencils, but also on docks with fishing poles and at the breakfast table while the sun rises. We learn much more than what we actually hear or read. In these moments, our boys are learning about patience and kindness and character.