For the first time in our lives, Tracey and I are raising a 16 year old - Leighton turned 16 on August 12th (two days after our 17th wedding anniversary.) As you know, being 16 years old means a lot of things. In Leighton's case, he's working for the first time (a internship with a graphic arts company), is eligible to drive when he's done with driver's ed, and he's also allowed to date girls (though he's yet to go on a date.) Not to mention that in 2 years, he'll be in college ... incredible!
And as of today, it means that he now holds the office of Priest in the Aaronic Priesthood - which is expected in the LDS Church for all worthy 16 year old young men. He is the first to be a Priest in the Van Dyke family in 22 years - the last time being when my brother Sebastian and I were ordained that office when we turned 16. Yes, that means I'm 38, but nevermind that!
As our children get older, I find myself wanting them to build more character. After all, the character they build now will be the foundation they use as adults. So today I'm grateful for the opportunities afforded to our children that help them to build character, even when they don't want anything to do with it. Programs like scouting, the youth program in our church, school sports, and being surrounded with good role models and good kids, all help to shape their lives - their character. Because let's face it, if it were up to them, most kids would never choose to do these things on their own; that's why they have parents.
It's our responsibility to encourage them to choose the right, to challenge themselves to be better, and face their fears. In our house, it means we have to tell some of our kids to get off the computer and read a book, or drag them to a church dance so they can be social, or remind them to respond with "yes, sir" to an adult, or to strive for an "A" instead of being satisfied with a "B". But when they complain or rebel, sometimes it's so easy to just quit and let them suffer. But as I watched my son have a good time at the church dance last night (the one that never wants to go), and as I heard from my kids how they enjoyed the youth program tonight, and as I saw my kids enjoying each other's company ... I was reminded that persistence does pay off, and that God does hear and answer our prayers regarding your children.
We can't quit now - they need us. Because here's the scary part ... if we don't teach them what it means to have character, then who's gonna teach them in our place? The world? The Internet? TV? Their friends? It's possible, I guess ... but I wouldn't bet on it. You shouldn't either. So what if they complain - you know they'll thank you for it when they grow up.