Tuesday, January 4, 2011

Learning to fly the kite God has given me.

We have been entrusted with these little beings and we are to train them and teach them many things.  It is the most difficult job anyone could have...difficult, but rewarding.




Here is an excerpt from Bringing Up Boys.

The late Erma Bombeck likened the parenting responsibility to flying a kite.  You start by trying to get the little craft off the ground, and sometimes you wonder it if's going to make it.  You're running down the road as fast as you can with this awkward kite flapping in the wind behind you.  Sometimes it crashes to the ground, so you tie on a longer tail and try it again.  Suddenly it catches a little gust of wind and flies dangerously close to the power lines. Your heart is pounding as you survey the risk, but then without warning the kite begins to tug on the string as it ascends into the sky.  You release your grip little by little, and sooner than you expected, you come to the end of the twine.  You stand on tiptoe holding the last inch between your thumb and forefinger.  Then reluctantly, you let go, permitting the kite to soar unfettered and independent in God's blue heaven.
It's an exhilarating and terrifying moment, and one that was ordained from the day of the child's birth.  With this final release, your task as a parent is finished.  The kite is free, and so, for the first time in twenty years are you.
(Dobson, James, bringing up Boys, p.256)
Braxton was trying, but Bennett wasn't feeling the love.

















I thoroughly enjoyed Bringing Up Boys and would recommend to all parents of boys.  If you haven't read it and you parent a boy, click the link below, order it, and read it.  You won't be disappointed.  Dobson has also written Bringing Up Girls, which I haven't read, but I am sure it is worth the investment.







19 comments:

Unknown said...

Your boys are so cute!

Throughout last year I wrote several posts on biblical parenting you might enjoy reading them.

Blessings,
Jill
http://fnaphotography.blogspot.com

Ashley Sisk said...

Are you kidding me Amber? These are great...and that last shot of Bennett is just perfect.

Unknown said...

I never had a boy but I imagine Erma is exactly right. Your photos are precious.
Found you on the Happiness Project.

Brooke said...

What fun shots! Those shirts are killin me :D And I love the analogy to the kite. Hmmmm, I might need to take a look for that book!

Carolina said...

I tried to vote for you, but the link only sends me to the main website. Could you repost the link? how exciting your blog is listed!!

And the pictures are beatiful! I just read chapter 7 of bringing up boys this week. the one about boys and their daddy's- great book.

Tammy said...

What great pictures! I love the one on the deck of Bennett. So cute!

I only have girls but have 3 nephews and I'm pretty sure their Mommys would love the kite reference!

SarahinSC said...

What precious little guys you have!

Susan Anderson said...

Great photos! And I love the quote from Erma, too.

=)

Amanda said...

So sweet! I love the photos of the little cousins! Jeremy got the book, "Bringing up Girls" and we have enjoyed reading it. Just last night, one of the chapters made me cry and cry (in a good way) because of the love I have for my father and for having a husband that I know will love our daughter forever!

Katie said...

Oh my golly, these shots of your boys are incredibly adorable!! And that excerpt nearly made me cry.

Craig said...

Amber, you are a mom well prepared, a mom who does it right, with the right heart, and faith - it's so obvious. God Smiles. I have so much respect.

God Bless you and yours

Tracie Nall said...

These pictures are gorgeous!

I have Bringing Up Girls, and it is a great book.

Actuary Mom said...

I love the third photo!

Amy said...

What great photos. So, nice. I have read some of Bringing up Boys and always meant to go back to it.

Hope you are having a nice 2011 so far,
Amy @ Missional Mama

Jill Franklin said...

awww...how adorable! =)

Anonymous said...

What beautiful little guys you have!

Anonymous said...

Awww! I love these!! So adorable!! I think they are great. I voted for you on top baby blogs.

Kindra said...

These are precious!!! You did your cool furniture piece in the field pics :) I love the one of B by himself laughing with his hands together. Braxton looks so much like your brother in law in these. I voted for you of course - and then I got sucked into another blog and ended up on Etsy (my first time) - I've been meaning to check it out - thankfully I restrained myself :)

Courtney said...

These are just beautiful Amber!! I love the couch in the field!! I need to try that one sometimes :O) I voted for you :O) You just about made me cry when I was reading that excerpt from the book. I'm going to have to check out the one on raising girls :O)