"Train a child in the way he should go and when he is old and he will not turn from it." Proverbs 22:6

A familiar verse, especially to those in children's ministry. As parents, it's a verse that we hope to witness in action as our children grow. Recently my son got his first job at a new "quick service" restaurant. The training offered by the restaurant was impressive - perfect for a first real job. He has worked on my stepdad's "farm" on weekends for about a year, but it's family, so the job, while excellent experience, has different expectations.

I visited the restaurant on its opening night. I was a bit nervous - would my son treat this job the same way he handles taking out the trash? Would he have the lackadaisacle attitude that he gets when asked to clean his room? Or...would he fall back on the training that he has received to be a self-starter and have a strong work ethic?

I was honored and humbled as I witnessed my son in action. He never stopped moving - not even to chat with me at my table. He gave a nonchalant "hi Mom," and then asked if he could fill our drinks. He visited every table, filling drinks, removing empty plates, checking with patrons to see if there's anything they need. He filled the condiment station with speed and precision. I was impressed.

Victory! Just one. Hopefully there will be many more to come. Of course, I know that there will be failures - which terrifies me beyond belief. But with each small victory, it gives me hope that he will always revert back to his training...the most important of which is the truth about his savior and redeemer Jesus Christ.

I will never stop praying. I will continue to build on the foundation that has been laid. And I will call on God's promise that Josh will not turn from the truth that he has been taught.