Presidential Quotes...

My big boy was given the task of finding a quote from his draw of President Gerald Ford. This was the easiest choice, and quite poignant if you ask this mama (see video), but I didn't know Mr. Ford had another very wise word for us this President's weekend....

History and experience tell us that moral progress comes not in comfortable and complacent times, but out of trial and confusion.

Maybe the current state of our democracy will increase our progress due to all the confusion that exists. I would add that both moral and physical progress come from those tough times. Some of the least moral and least resilient people are those who have never faced true adversity. I certainly have a long way to go because my life isn't what I'd call laborious, but I pray daily against complacency in hopes of continuing to grow in my progress.
Little Levi is living proof of progress, and I pray his moral character is shaped from his story. As most have seen, Levi tends to leave his mouth open and tongue at rest at all times (a habit formed in the NICU), which has injured him in the past, but last weekend was the worst by far... No more monkeys jumping on the bed!

This tough kid has a higher pain tolerance than any of his brothers because of all his past trials. Levi's callouses run deep, and I am learning not to pray for my children's well being so much as their well character. Without the confusing hardships and even physical pain, they simply won't have as great an opportunity to firm their fossils. I know comparing my children is a bad parenting 101, but seeing how the others react to circumstances helps each of my boys naturally work to strengthen himself in comparison. Hopefully the quote they remember from me is not a comparative one, but another nugget of wisdom I've quoted and passed along. Can you think of something original you've said that would be your life quote?