One of my chores as a child was cutting the grass. Every Saturday (by 1000), I needed to be outside mowing and edging the lawn. Mowing the lawn wasn't hard, but I didn't always feel like being outside - cartoons were calling me.

Looking back, I admire my Dad for sticking to his routine of taking care of the house and yard. It is an ever-present reminder for me as a husband and father to do the same.

Today I was showing my daughter how to use the lawnmower and edger (yes...my daughter). She had difficulty starting the lawnmower, but after it started, she ran all over the grass. I laughed to myself because she reminded me of myself when I was starting out. Looking at her, I realized that I will have to stay just as motivated as my Dad to provide a good example. Then I thought of Proverbs 22:6:

Proverbs 22:6 (KJV) - Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.

In order to train a child in the way they should go, you must already know the way yourself. 'Do as I say, not as I do' doesn't work! You have to provide a solid, living example of what behavior(s) you desire to see in them today...and tomorrow.