I've implemented a new program for my boys to help them grow in face of unique strengths and weaknesses. It's basically a life version of boy scout badges. I bought little moleskin notebooks for each of them and have pages written up where they can earn stickers for completing tasks. If the page gets full of stickers over the course of days or weeks and they've mastered the skill, they get a badge to display on the wall in thier room.
We have badges for all sorts of things... getting dressed badge, tooth brushing badge, programming badge, chemistry badge, subtraction, courage and taking care of baby... to name a few.
Tonight as they got ready for bed, they were so motivated to earn stickers for thier books. They quickly took off clothes, folded them and put them away. Brushed teeth completely. I watched them and smiled (mostly feeling like a badass parent).
Then, thinking about this post, I thought about my day. We don't really grow out of getting gold stars. We need someone to tell us that we are doing a good job. The older we get, the less people think to tell us that. The more we have the responsibility for being the grown up and handing out stars to those around us.
I thought about this because today I had several conversations where I felt that "here's your gold star" feeling. Inside, I was like a little kid jumping up and down with my artwork in hand. "You really really like it? ...Mom, mom, did you hear that?!?... I did a good job. "
Allowing ourselves to be vulnerable, to recognize our need to be loved and accepted creates space for God to love us. It creates space for gratitude when someone takes the time too recognize your human gifts and that can put a little oil in your lamp for nights that are long and dark. Today, I got a little oil in my lamp. Praying for the grace to use it to burn a little brighter. God knows the world could use all the light we can muster.
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