We live concerned lives. Concerned about money, bills, friends and family. Within family are our children and I am concerned many times that children just do not get the lessons I have lived a life trying to convey. Well, Tuesday night I had a real pleasant suprise.
Alexis was at her girls group, Sue was at ceramics, and I found myself alone with all three boys. Nick had called earlier and asked if he could come over. It worked out well because Sue was just getting off of work and she was able to pick Nick up. Fortunately I had prepared enough dinner so Nick could be included and it turned out to be a nice unplanned time.
With time on our hands and an opportunity that has presented itself I asked the boys if they wanted to go bowling. Of course....the answer was yes. The whole time we bowled Nick complained about how much he hated bowling and about how he just would rather throw the ball at people rather than pins. I just let Nick rant because despite everything he said I could tell he was having a good time.
One of Nick's pet rants is to talk about having babies with his girl and then he starts to include Andrew and how he should get a girl pregnant. Andrew's exact reply was "are you kidding me, Sue would kill me." We laughed and the subject continued on about girls. Somewhere within the conversation I started to get serious. I was "concerned". Concerned that my boys were sexually active and concerned that babies were a real possibility. I must have gotten a little hyped. Andrew looks at me and says,"Dad, give us some credit. It is ok for us talk and joke it does not mean we are going to do it."
It was really neat how he said this too.....and I cannot think of the words to describe his response. Within this conversation my son was telling me.....lighten up Dad and trust us to do what you and Sue have taught. Before my eyes my children have turned into young adults and my concern has been lightened. Just maybe they get it and our concerns (and worry) are for nothing. They might joke about things that concern me, but they live our lessons. For that I am grateful.