Then, there are days when I am the one being taught. I am humbled at their knowledge and understanding of kindness.
A few days ago Abigail began to ask me a question and abruptly stopped herself. I continued to probe because I could tell she was truly curious about something. And, I'm not one to ever let anything go. I insisted that she ask her question. She insisted that she could not ask her question because it would be impolite to talk about someone. "Mom, it would be gossiping." She continued to tell me that she had just found out a friend has divorced parents. Abigail had thought the friend's stepdad was actually her birthfather. With this new knowledge, came many questions, but Abigail refused to ask them. She would no longer discuss it because she insisted that she would not gossip and her friend's family life would not be appropriate to discuss. I was amazed at the maturity she had shown at just seven years old. I wish I could be that discreet and mindful of not gossiping.
Also in the past week, Abigail was in the car with me and I was listening to Dave Ramsey. I love hearing his financial advice, but the kids are quick to request a station change as soon as I pick them up from school. Usually I oblige them. This time, Abigail asked, "Why is that man talking about money?". I explained the purpose of the radio program, but she probed again. "But, isn't it rude to talk about people's money issues in public?" Wow! Another golden nugget from the pipsqueak kid! Uh, yes, I have strongly taught the kids not to ever discuss the cost of items or a person's salary or anything close to those topics. And, now the oldest one was calling me on the hypocracy of my Dave Ramsey obsession. Oh, goodness.
I can't help but be amazed at my daughter's intelligence and consideration of others. But, I wish she could show it in a less humbling way.
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