I was reflecting recently on an experience I’d had a couple of years ago. I think I needed some assurance that I was doing at least a couple of things right as a Mom.
I had been talking with a few boys who are part of the scouting program. I asked them what it meant to be “clean” as that is one of the qualities listed in the Scout Law. Most of them said it meant to have good hygiene, to wash our hands, to keep our bodies clean. Others talked about the idea of “leave no trace” when camping—that we want to keep nature as we found it and keep the outdoors clean from rubbish. These were all perfectly good answers, coming from some great kids
.When I had asked my son, Abraham, though, his response was to tell me that being clean meant using clean language, having good thoughts, not watching shows with inappropriate messages or words. He was talking about being clean spiritually. I could not have been more pleased. Whether or not he could tie 6 kinds of knots or could tell me the ins and outs of treating insect bites (he probably could, actually) didn’t matter in the least at that moment. What mattered was that my son knew something very central to being a good scout, and a good person—to be clean.
I had been talking with a few boys who are part of the scouting program. I asked them what it meant to be “clean” as that is one of the qualities listed in the Scout Law. Most of them said it meant to have good hygiene, to wash our hands, to keep our bodies clean. Others talked about the idea of “leave no trace” when camping—that we want to keep nature as we found it and keep the outdoors clean from rubbish. These were all perfectly good answers, coming from some great kids
.When I had asked my son, Abraham, though, his response was to tell me that being clean meant using clean language, having good thoughts, not watching shows with inappropriate messages or words. He was talking about being clean spiritually. I could not have been more pleased. Whether or not he could tie 6 kinds of knots or could tell me the ins and outs of treating insect bites (he probably could, actually) didn’t matter in the least at that moment. What mattered was that my son knew something very central to being a good scout, and a good person—to be clean.
It was a good reminder for me, too—as I think about my thoughts and actions, and interactions. How clean is my language, how clean are my thoughts and intentions? Nobody’s perfect, of course, but I thought it was a good reminder, and it gave me some assurance that despite my gaps in teaching my children, they are picking up some good things along the way:)
Amy
I love that! And that is why I appreciate scouting. These are all good conversations about being “clean”, but I love that scouting helps encourage conversations that take it to the next level and involves the spiritual aspects too. Good job, mama on teaching him, and good job on getting scouting going in China! You are awesome!
Lynnq
Thank you for your comment, Amy! Love you!
Jaci Stucker
Love love love this , you go girl . Like the video better than having to read a site and makes it so much more personal. Next time ‘show the book’ as you introduce one ! I’m totally visual remember ! Miss ya , jaci
Lori
Thanks Jaci! GREAT idea to show the book! I’ll do that in the next one. Hugs!
Shannon Doak
Great post and exactly what I would expect from Abraham. You have done a fantastic job raising a wonderful young man.
Lori
Thank you so much, Shannon! Very good to hear from you!