One morning as I was getting my 5yr old son, Simeon up to get ready for school, and while my wife and my 3yr old daughter at the time were still sound asleep, this is the time my son and I truly use this time of the day to bond. It was approximately 5:45am, quiet and calm while he was eating his captain crunch cereal and drinking some orange juice.
We usually have the best father and son discussions, and it allows me to impart in him some basic truths for him to think and to ponder on. And it allows me to determine his growth in how his mind is being shaped and cultivated by this society, culture and by me.
How I approach to discern whether my son is growing spiritually as well as emotionally and mentally is to challenge him by answering him a series of questions that always leads to the answer. I use the tactic of "self-realization" techniques. This is just a snippet of what that may sound like to discern the true heart and core beliefs, values and character of what its like to go on an inner journey with self and with God. To give me an in, if you will to know how to affectively guide my son to all truths of the mysteries of God and self.
Simeon asked me if I could help him make sure his homework was accurate. I said, "sure". He was concerned because he wanted to do well on his vocabulary test he had that day. He always does well, his intelligence and hardwork has paid off in dividends and he is in the top 2% of his grade and age level.
So I asked him, "Simeon, why do you need to study for?" He replied, "So I can get a good grade on my test". I asked, "Why do you want to get a good grade on your test?" He replied, "So I can go to the 1st grade". I asked, "Why do you go to school?" He replied, "To learn". I asked, "why do you want to learn?" He replied, "So I could get a good job". I asked, "why do you need to get a job?" He replied, "So I can work like you daddy". I asked, "why do you need to work?" He replied, "So I can make money". I asked, "why do you need money?" He replied, "So I can eat." I asked, "Why do you need to eat?" He replied, "So I can LIVE". I asked,
"WHY DO YOU LIVE?" He replied after thinking long and hard, "I LIVE TO DIE!"
I ask you WHY DO YOU LIVE? WHY DO YOU STILL BREATHE? WHY DOES GOD STILL ALLOW YOU TO WAKE UP THIS MORNING? What are we commanded to do while journeying on this temporary earthly realm to live before we..............DIE?
God Bless
In His Grip
Scott