What do you want to be when you grow up?

What do you want to be when you grow up? Children are asked this question throughout childhood. I remember writing a response to that very question in a "school years" book my mother bought for me. The book had a place for a school picture, class picture, list of friends, favorite subjects, and so on. I remember a couple of my desired vocations were hair stylist and teacher. I did eventually become a teacher, but lasted just 3 years in the profession. I have never known what I wanted to be. I'm envious of my husband who always knew he wanted to be an accountant. Handy for me, as budgeting is not my strongest skill.

Anyway, long story short, I've decided my calling is to be a mother. People tell me I'm good at it, and I certainly enjoy most aspects of the job. I'm 6 years into the gig and I have no plans of switching careers.

I've come to realize that I don't need to do big, front-page of the newspaper worthy things to do good in the world. In small ways every day, I'm helping to create grateful, productive little people who will someday leave my nest (sob!) and run this country.

I started teaching Sunday school, and I love learning right along with the children. I teach my children to say please and thank you, and to respect themselves and others. I'm in the process of helping them to understand that our family is very blessed, but there are others in the world, and in our lives, who don't have as many toys, have a smaller house, or sometimes have trouble finding something to eat. I want to foster the growth of a servant's heart in my children. I think that is a trait missing from many of today's youth; performing service for others without the goal of personal gain.

Now, if I could get the youngest child potty trained and the oldest to pick up his toys without being asked, I would move on to world peace. :)