Tonight we did something as a family that we have discussed doing in the past, but finally made happen.  We picked up trash around our neighborhood, especially in the park/playground area.  The three of us had our own set of gloves and and one large trash bag and we went to work.  Alex actually really got into it.  Some kids were playing at the playground and just stared at us like, what the heck are you doing?  Finally, one of the girls said, "What are you looking for?"  I told her what we were doing and she seemed dumbfounded.  Teenage boys were playing a rousing game of basketball...we got some looks from them, too.  I told Alex to go pick something up near the court and one kid said, "No, I'll get it" (his empty Gatorade bottle).  Sure enough, when the kids dispersed a few minutes later, the bottle was still sitting there.  So disrespectful, don't ya think?  To the earth, the neighborhood and the 9-month pregnant lady that they're watching bend down and pick up their trash??  It certainly irked me a bit, but I didn't let that take over.  Instead I watched Alex...how proud he seemed as he picked up each piece of garbage.  I just kind of filed the moment away in my brain...the way he owned this good thing he was doing AND how we seemed to be doing something right as his parents (again, for a moment at least!) in participating in this together and teaching him in this way.

After just an hour of collecting trash, we had a pretty full garbage bag.  We enjoyed that time spent with each other and what we were doing felt right, so we plan to continue to do this as a family at least once a month, or so.  Goodness, what a responsibility parenting is.  The list of things to teach and instill in our kids is never-ending, which can seem overwhelming.  But instead of feeling like this parenting/shaping our children thing is too daunting to even try, we take one opportunity at a time and pray they carry it with them through their lives.  God has entrusted me with Alex (and pretty soon, baby girl) and I am committed to doing my best for my kid(s)...and seeking Him when I need guidance (which, I don't deny, is often!!).

Can you hear and do you care and
Can't you see we must be free to
Teach your children what you believe in.
Make a world that we can live in.