back to school

The kids went back to school today. My oldest starts 4th grade. I can't believe he's turning 10 in a few months. He continues to be an avid reader and has shown a recent interest in learning how to golf. I hope to be able to get him lessons. That would be such a fun thing to be able to do together with him throughout the years. Since he's so much like his father, I also hope he has the patience and humility to actually learn to play, instead of following the path I did in which I was sure I knew how to play after several minutes instruction. My middle son starts 2nd grade. This makes it easier on my wife, as both of the boys now are finished with school at the same time, whereas previously the younger one would get out an hour earlier. He was very excited this morning and I'm sure will do well. He is a diligent worker and makes friends easily. His teachers typically adore him. My little angel starts school as well, beginning her daily pre-K at the Methodist church across the street from our home. She is very excited. She is such a sweet little thing, always wanting to help out around the home. She spoils her daddy. I am so lucky to have such wonderful kids. They've been so patient with me and my quest for higher education. We spend quality time together every day. They teach me so much about life and about myself. I'm so glad that all of my kids question my decisions and call me out when I'm not treating them as well as I should. My goal as a parent has always been to raise independent children who think and act for themselves and allow them to make decisions on their own, learning lessons along the way. I hope that my children and I will continue to have a good relationship as they approach and enter their teen years so that we can rationally discuss the torrents of life and make sound decisions based on reason together. This of course is the best-case scenario, but as a realist I hope to be somewhere close to that. By fostering their independence and teaching life lessons along the way, with rewards for obedience and work well done, instilling in them a strong work ethic, they can see for themselves the way to an abundant life. Most of the credit for the amazing children I have lands fully on my dear wife. She is an amazing mother whose kindness and compassion are unparalleled. Together, we make a great team. I'm so fortunate to be able to spend my life with her.