Could Not Have Been Prouder

Sometimes things happen in your lives that make you realize how absolutely blessed you are. Joy, Luke, and myself attended an award ceremony at the elementary school today in which we were told that our oldest son Ethan would be honored. We were not told what for but there was no question that we as a family would attend. Long story short, Ethan was given a medal for his Advnaced Reading program achievements as well as a certificate recognizing his being on the A honor roll all year. I am so proud of him. Here is what really got to me though. Two girls who attend church with us are also in the same grade as Ethan and they were both honored at the program as well but these two beautiful girls both received a very special award. Both of them received the Citizenship award in their individual classes (one of which is in Ethan's class). This award was given to the students who were most helpful and respectful in their individual class rooms. I was so proud of them and of the fact that I can call their parents and Sunday School teachers my friends. I have no doubt in my mind that these girls involvement in church and their parents' love of the Lord plays a large role in their receiving this award.
I can not help but think of Christ's instruction for us to become as little children (Matthew 18) in order to receive salvation. I know from my daily interaction with Ethan that he wants to do nothing more than learn as much as we can and to be helpful to those who he can help. I pray that all who read this will make a decision to become as these glorious children and try to learn as much as we can through Bible study while trying to follow Christ's instructions to love our neighbor as ourselves and help those who we know are struggling.