Every once in awhile my boss will ask me to read articles or books to get my point of view on them. Yesterday, he asked me to read John Rosemond's latest article in The State about self-esteem (http://www.thestate.com/2012/03/25/2207593/john-rosemond-high-self-esteem.html)
I thought he spoke a lot of truth! This day in age, self-esteem is rooted in praise, I feel good about myself, only if I am rewarded/someone notices what I did. That just makes me sad! Self-esteem should be rooted in who you are as a person, not in what you do. We definitely don't help children make this shift in thinking when we allow everyone to make the team, or when everyone gets a trophy in school. That isn't life, and when we play it safe by making everything equal, we only hinder kids by hiding the truth.
It also made me wonder if praise based self-esteem hinders their relationship with Christ. We don't get audible praise from God, we don't always get rewarded right away, we definitely aren't all treated equally. What he has in store for me, is not the same that he has for my friend. If we lead kids into believing that everyone is right and if they are praised all the time, what are we showing them with a relationship with Christ? We are setting them up for failure because we don't always get what we think we "deserve". We also run the risk of turning a "faith-based" Christianity into a "works-based" Christianity. They don't get immediate praise from God, or an instant reward, so they work harder, spend more time with God, pray more, all to get what they think they deserve.
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Friday, March 2, 2012
Caleb
My nephew Caleb was born this week!! I am so excited I can hardly stand it! Here is a picture....(yes, that is my work nametag haha)
He was born on Tuesday, February 28th at 2:15 PM. My sister was a champ!! She was induced that morning and not much later he was here. I didn't get to be at the hospital when he was born because I had to be at a conference for work (more later). Ben did an amazing job keeping me updated via text, and sent me pictures as soon as he made an appearance. He also sent me a video, which made me feel so special. I am so thankful that he took the time to keep me in the loop, despite not being able to be there in person. I was able to visit that afternoon on a break, and went back after the conference was over. I was actually the first one to hold him (after Ben and Sarah of course), so that was really special!
I am amazed at how I am reacting to him. I mean I knew that I would be excited, but I honestly thought it would be like any other baby, but it's definitely not! I can not wait to see him! I also want to be cautious of over-staying my welcome. It's going to take time figuring out boundaries and responsibilities and schedules. I know that I do not want to be a "helicopter Aunt" (one who hovers). I want to make sure that I give Ben and Sarah their space, but also be there to help when needed. It's a thin line, one where we have to be patient in figuring out where in the sand the line is. Thankfully we are a very honest family, so we will talk things out.
He was born on Tuesday, February 28th at 2:15 PM. My sister was a champ!! She was induced that morning and not much later he was here. I didn't get to be at the hospital when he was born because I had to be at a conference for work (more later). Ben did an amazing job keeping me updated via text, and sent me pictures as soon as he made an appearance. He also sent me a video, which made me feel so special. I am so thankful that he took the time to keep me in the loop, despite not being able to be there in person. I was able to visit that afternoon on a break, and went back after the conference was over. I was actually the first one to hold him (after Ben and Sarah of course), so that was really special!
I am amazed at how I am reacting to him. I mean I knew that I would be excited, but I honestly thought it would be like any other baby, but it's definitely not! I can not wait to see him! I also want to be cautious of over-staying my welcome. It's going to take time figuring out boundaries and responsibilities and schedules. I know that I do not want to be a "helicopter Aunt" (one who hovers). I want to make sure that I give Ben and Sarah their space, but also be there to help when needed. It's a thin line, one where we have to be patient in figuring out where in the sand the line is. Thankfully we are a very honest family, so we will talk things out.
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