NOT a lump of Clay.

I read a wonderful article a couple of weeks ago by Richard and Linda Eyer. I have heard them speak and enjoyed it so when I say something written by them I was happy to read it. I don't remember the name of the article I'll tell you about it.

A lot of people look at babies, and think of them as a lump of clay that can be molded and shaped. And while that is true, to a point, we need to remember that our children came from heaven. We lived in heaven and grew under the direction of our Father in Heaven before coming here to earth. We had the chance to develop our personalities before coming here to experience Earth life.

I have 4 boys and they are so very different. Why would that be. They came from the same DNA. They are all raised together, and the same rules are given to each boy, and yet, they are so different!!! You can tell from babies, and sometimes even before that, while they are still in the womb what kind of personality they will have.

Here we have Benji, the baby of the family. He likes to be the center of attention. He is on his own time and thinks all must comply to him. He is feisty and has an opinion on everything that happens. He hates it when I get upset with his brothers. He loves to be held by anyone who happens by, but really he only has eyes for his mom. At night, I'm the one he wants. He has a strong will and knows what he wants. With his strong will he will go far in life, my job is to direct that in the right way.

Tim.... he was my little preemie. Born at 30 weeks and at a tiny 3 pounds 7 ounces. He was a fighter then, and he still is now!! In that hospital crib with all the wires and tubes hooked up to him he looked so little, so helpless, but his spirit was strong and hit his marks with leaps and bound! Today he is still a fighter. {more so with his brothers} He is a strong boy, and a rough and tumble boy. His will to fight will help him to over come many challenges in this life. I need to teach him to keep fighting and not to give up.

Oh my Tommy... He is a light of sunshine! He is so clever and so funny. When he was born the husband was in Iraq with the Army. Tommy is one that has always been quick with a smile. As a baby he would babble to himself and then giggle. Now... he is always telling jokes and wanting to spread the sunshine that he sees everywhere. He knows what is right and wrong, he always has and is quick to call out when someone is not doing what is right. He has a strong relationship with his Father in Heaven. I learn so much about my Father from him. I am to help Tommy keep the optimistic views that he has. It will help him over come any trials that he comes to. Being able to have a happy attitude will make things not seem so bad.

James, my oldest. He has always been able to roll with the punches. Before he was one we had moved 5 times!! Even as an infant he went with it and made the best of every thing. He has always been quick with a smile and a hug. He is so loving and wants everyone to know that he loves them. He loves to learn!!! Even at a toddler he was happy to sit on my lap and have me read books to him. When I made him go outside, he would take a book with him. Even now you can often find him on the couch with a book. I need to direct that learning to all the good things there are in life.

I am so lucky that I am the one that gets to raise these boys. I pray every day for help in guiding them on the right path. They are all so different and wonderful! They all came with their own personalities that I had to learn, so I can help them grow.

I can guide them and help them develop their talents and teach them to use their agency, but as far as them being a lump of clay.... not so much!