God, my boys, and me

"I'm Sorry"

Last night wasn't too good. After church, Brandon got into trouble twice. He acted up twice, and got in trouble for it, both times. However, that's not what really bothered me. What really bothered me is that I asked Brandon, repeatedly, to say he was sorry to the other 'party'.

He wouldn't do it, both times.

He stood in the corner for a while, and when asked, said he would apologize. Brought him out of the corner, and did he?

No.

"I'm Sorry"

Just words, right? I think so. Can you apologize without saying those words? Sure. He did hug both of the people, both times, after much prompting.

So why wouldn't Brandon say those two words?

I don't know. Is it because he's a rebellious child? I don't think so. He's two. It's all part of the territory. So why wouldn't he say it, when repeatedly told to do so? I wish I knew why.

When we got home, I took Brandon to the back bedroom and we talked about why he was in trouble. Tears streaming down his face, I believe that he got the point - when Mom and/or Dad tell you to do something, you need to do it. Whether or not you like it, It's for your own good.

Brandon was fine less than 2 minutes later. Lesson learned, I hope. I'm still hurting from the experience over 12 hours later.

My Insight - How many times do I go against God? Just refuse to do something he asks me to? I can confess sin, and know He forgives it. But it's that very sin that nailed Him to the cross. Last night made me understand a little more about how sin grieves God. And it makes me want to do everything I can to stop.

Last night, Brandon was extremely tired. Both Amanda and I were out late, and he stayed up way past his bedtime.

My little boy tends to get very irritable when he is kept up too late. Needless to say, he was very whiny and not very talkative last night. In fact, most of his responses to our questions were either, "Uh-huh" or "No". Our bedtime conversation went like this:

"Brandon, are you ready for bed?"
"Uh-huh"
"Are you ready to put your PJs on?"
"No"
"Are you ready to read a book?"
"Uh-huh"
"Do you want your blanket?"
"Uh-huh".

You get the gist. So imagine Amanda's surprise when she asked:

"Are you ready to say your prayers"

And Brandon answered (very excitedly):

"Oh, Yes!!!"

My Insight - How often we forget what a privilege it is to pray. We communicate with the Ancient of Days. Alpha. Omega. Creator. Father. Shouldn't we always be that excited when we approach the One who gave His life for us?

This is something that occurred at bed time in April...

As Brandon and I were saying our prayers, we went through all of our "God-Bless"-es. You know - "God Bless Mom, God Bless Dad, God Bless Caleb...", etc. We went through just about everyone person that I could think of that Brandon would know. Including lots of little friends. Then we said Amen.

Brandon looked up at me and said with the most incredulous look on his face, "And God Bless Connor and Mason". His look conveyed, "Dad - how could you have forgotten them?"

My Insight - No matter how many people we think of, there is always someone else that needs our prayers.

Welcome.

You might be asking yourself - what in the world is this page for?

My name is Brian McGraw, and I have two handsome sons - a three month old named Caleb, and a two-year old son named Brandon. I usually keep our web page updated with somewhat-current pictures, but it really doesn't allow for a journal-type approach. Lately we've really been emphasizing prayer with Brandon.

I've often wondered how much of what we say he actually comprehends. I've often heard and thought that children have the most honest aproach to God. After all, aren't we to become like little children to enter the Kingdom of Heaven?

Well, lately, God has really been speaking to me through Brandon, and some of the comments that he makes. So I thought I'd get a little blog to share some of the thoughts.

It's my wish that you enjoy our little blog, and that God gives you some sort of new insight as well.