“A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, loving favor rather than silver and gold.” Pr. 22:1
Yesterday was my son’s 8th birthday. He did have a good day and by the end of the day, declared it “the best birthday ever!” That’s a win!
He liked his presents, but more than all of that, he enjoyed the closeness we shared as I read him our traditional birthday book. He hugged me over and over as we looked at his baby pictures and I answered his questions about when he was born.
It thrilled his heart that his sister worked really hard and enthusiastically to make him a special birthday cake just the way he wanted. His heart was overjoyed when we surprised him by having his old friend show up at our celebration last night.
He appreciated the work we did on his decorations. He enjoyed having his grandfather, uncle, family, and some friends there to celebrate with him. He was just happy to be loved and favored.
He was grateful and thankful for all we did and gave, and he expressed his thanks to all. Everyone was happy to celebrate with him because he is a such a great guy. He is kind, generous, loving, sharing, encouraging, fun, and is a joy to be around. In other words, he has a good name.
And that is what I want for him most of all. As much as he was grateful for the “riches” he received, he was much more nourished and made to feel complete by the favor shown to him. As much as I enjoyed giving him things, I feel much more proud of the fact that people enjoy being around him and that he is a kind person.
My prayer is that he continue on this path all his days and that he grow to truly know for a fact what ‘things’ are most important to be chosen in this life.
It’s a reminder we can all use from time to time. Riches and things can be helpful, pretty, and can make us smile temporarily, but can all be taken away or destroyed. At the end of the day, what really matters are those who love and care for us. How we make others feel is what they remember about us. We have to make sure we are choosing to give ourselves a good name by our actions towards others.
Thanks for being a great illustration for this important verse, my amazing son! We are so proud of you.
Mom, aka jamie
considering the word 