Over the years, as Sonja and I have talked about childrearing and the kids’ education, we have both had a desire to see our older children, in the midst of their studies, spend time shadowing their parents. We would like our sons to be able to see what it means to be a man (and all that may entail), as well as our daughters observe the possible daily habits of a woman.

This desire has always seemed very easy and natural for our daughters to do with Sonja at the appropriate age, since she is at home with them on a relatively consistent schedule. But, Sonja has pressed hard that she believed there would be opportunities for me to do this with our boys and where possible, I should consider having them by my side more as they grow older, taking them with on visits, having them with me at work, or even bringing them with on a short trip.

So, this week, I have my first shadow with me and his name is Nehemiah.

I can already tell that this is going to be a challenging venture, but I think Sonja’s right. It’s good for Nehemiah to see and gain a better grasp of all the things that go into my days. It’s even better for him to see how I apply my faith. How do I respond to rude drivers? What do I say when I grow impatient with others (or him)? What do I do when I get up in the morning?

There’s also oodles of time for conversations. One discussion we had yesterday involved how to respect an adult (or anyone for that matter) by showing self-control in our speech (not asking endless questions and keeping our responses in line with their questions).

I may not be able to take these shadows with me at all times, but I’m thankful for the times that God affords us to spend together and want to take full advantage of them.

Here’s Nehemiah with a friend we met this week from Sierra Leone, who works in radio ministry:

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