Reece and Arthur- Leading by Example

Because it's football season I am reminded of an experience last year at one of Arthur's football games. Last year Reece was the kicker for his team. As most of you know, before the kick off the kicker signals his intent, and states his position by raising his hand. Reece did this, and apparently Arthur watched this. One Saturday morning last Fall I sat watching Arthur playing in one of his flag football games. Arthur's coach asked my little six year old to kick off, and my eager boy ran to the line to position himself for the play. After the ref signalled to Arthur, my little white baby responded by raising his hand high above his head to announce his intent to kick the ball.

No one ever "told" Arthur to raise his hand before kick off. In fact, I, along with the coach and several other parents, chuckled when we saw Arthur do this as it was unnecessary for that specific forum. However, Arthur had seen his older brother do it, and thus followed the example.

Example is a big thing. It really is. Redge and I hold family prayer everyday. The reason being that my parents held family prayer everyday. My mom and dad had us up early everyday EVEN IN THE SUMMER to kneel in family prayer. They didn't stop doing it when they had four cranky teenagers who grumbled and glared when asked to join the family, and barely whispered when called upon to offer the prayer. Nope- family prayer was important enough to ignore the moodiness of tired kids. Without saying a word my parents taught me that family prayer is the way to start the day NO MATTER WHAT. Reece, without saying a word, taught Arthur that raising his hand is the way to start kick off NO MATTER WHAT.

I wonder what I'm teaching without saying a single word.