The Rules for Life

Recently, Son #1 wrote a list of rules for living. In reality, it’s just a bunch of boxes and scribbles on a piece of paper. But to him, it means something.

He was lying on the floor, writing furiously. Then he got up and stood in front of my chair to read his list to me.

Rule #1: Enjoy nature outside.
Rule #2: Have a good time.
Rule #3: Do good things.
Rule #4: Take a bath.
Rule #5: Have fun in the rain.

I’m thankful Son #1 wants to enjoy nature outside. That’s better than enjoying nature inside, in my opinion. Nature belongs outside.

Son #1 loves to have a good time. He doesn’t like it when people are sad. He always wants to tell jokes and make people happy. If he notices that I’m not smiling, or if he thinks I’m being too serious, he’ll say, “Dad, wanna hear a joke?”

The joke is usually, “What do you call a dad in a freezer? A popsicle.”

Son #1 likes to have a good time.

He is Son #2’s protector. Recently, Son #2 started running across a parking lot, but Son #1 stopped him before he got very far. He has a tender heart for anyone or anything that is suffering. He has amazed me with his observations on different things about what people are going through. He wants to help them.
He likes to do good things and help people.

Thankfully, our boys, at this time in their lives, really enjoy bath time. And, being my sons, they have no choice but to be clean. It is entirely unacceptable not to take a bath or shower regularly. Being a man does not include smelling worse than a garbage can.

When times get hard (and they will), always look for the good. You may not have enjoyed being in the rain, but at least look for the good the rain brings.

All in all, these are good rules for living, coming from a four-year-old.

to living well,
– Caleb