Who Knew Scrambled Eggs Could Teach Me So Much?

A year ago today, I posted this.

Although Park is still not exactly the picture of self control, I see that God is already molding and shaping him into something amazing. As I watched Park working in the yard with Chris all evening, I was struck by how grown up my little man is becoming.

I heard him asking questions and offering suggestions for how they might improve upon the tasks at hand. I saw Park throw down his shovel in frustration when Chris didn't do exactly what he wanted. As Chris bent down to talk to him about his poor attitude, I was struck by the repentance in Park's little eyes.

"I'm sorry, Daddy. I won't do it again," he promised.

Once again, I was reminded that deep within that strong-willed spirit is simply a little boy trying to find his place in this world. As a parent, I often spend too much of my time dwelling on negative behavior or contemplating how draining it can be to give the constant discipline that young children require.

I focus on what I want for his destination verses enjoying the journey it takes to get there.

As big as my precious Park is getting, this is as little as he will ever be. And yes, I want to be certain to keep up the constant discipline and eliminate negative behaviors, but I also want to appreciate the growing pains along the way.

I want to live in the moment. To savor every mischievous smile he throws my way; To bottle up all his wet kisses and the silly little songs he makes up; To bask in his endless energy and imaginary friends; To hold him a little longer when I read his bedtime story or to linger at his door when putting him back to bed after a bad dream; To answer one more "Why?" question and to laugh harder at his jokes that make no sense at all; To take extra time to make meals, just so he can help; And to extend my patience beyond what I feel I'm capable of doing.

Because when all is said and done and Park is the man God intends for him to be, the scrambled egg moments that got us there will be the memories I treasure the most.