Since having Jackson, I have a lot more of my thoughts devoted to others' needs. Even when teaching, I have become much softer in my approach to discipline because I can truly see each student as someone's pride and joy instead of just a student. I can't pinpoint exactly why having a child makes someone see the world differently; but for me, since I am putting all of my energy and thoughts into giving my child the best the world can offer, it makes me consider little ways that I can try to make someone else have a better day.
With that being said, there is so much more I can do. To really be Christ-like (as the Bible tells us to be), it would require a lot more time and bravery than I'm ready to commit, though. A few examples from the past week: would Jesus ever pass by a homeless person without talking to him or giving him some food? Probably not. But I do this all the time. I know that I should and could help them, but I choose to be selfish with my time and money. Also this week, I was driving home from my work Christmas party (in England, they call it a "Christmas Do") and on this quiet, foggy country road, I saw a man stumbling and swaying home around midnight. He clearly needed help getting home and seeing as there weren't any houses close by, I didn't know how much more of a journey he had to go to get home safely. Would Jesus have kept driving? Probably not. But, I did. On a basic, human-to-human level, ignoring these situations is really cruel. Even though I did what the majority of people would do in these two instances, it doesn't mean that it makes it right.
To make amends with ignoring big situations like the homelessness on my doorstep and people in distress that I pass, I try to be as loving as I can be to the people in my life. I am going to keep trying to be like Jesus and gradually turn my little actions into bigger, more concrete good deeds that spread to my community. Thinking about Jesus's arrival with only one more week to go, and the main message He wanted to teach us during His short time on Earth--to love one another--it's the least we can do and a good starting point for us all.
Jackson getting his Christmas pictures taken at nursery. He chose this pose himself!
His first head shot
Believe it or not, Jackson was crying and screaming before this picture was taken and then after we let him hold some toys, he started posing again.
Developmental updates: Jackson learned a lot this week and really seemed to blossom into an even more sociable little chap. He started blowing kisses when someone says good-bye. When we make roaring noises and ask, "What sound does a lion make?", Jackson will imitate us in a soft, baby roar that sounds a bit like a newly hatched dinosaur. Another thing we experienced for the first time was Jackson's first tantrum. He was trying to stick his fingers in an electrical socket and we kept pushing his hand away and saying, "No." He got fed-up with us and turned his back, then pushed his bottom lip out, and started to cry. When we didn't give in to his attempts to get his way, then he smacked the wall in protest. I was surprised at the whole scene, but even more surprised that he was throwing a fit when he's only 14-months-old. I expected this to happen when he reached the age of two. We're nearly a year early! Even though Jackson is still our little baby and he is the best boy we know, I feel like we have to be stern when it comes to letting Jackson always have his way. He's starting to test his boundaries and to learn what we will let him get away with. If we don't address the misbehaviour now, then it will be a lot harder to correct later down the road.
If you see Sammie Miles Davis, Jr. and Bella, give them my love.
