Lesson from the Crocodile Hunter

 

“He maketh the barren woman to keep house, and to be a joyful mother of children. Praise ye the Lord.” Ps. 113:9 KJV

 

 

I keep up fairly well with the news, and I’ve heard of many celebrities passing away over the years. Yet none has ever saddened me as the death of Steve Irwin, the Crocodile Hunter. We don’t have cable or satellite, so I didn’t watch his show often, but the times I have seen it, or seen Steve on the late shows or in his movie, I was always struck by the enthusiasm and joy he expressed in whatever he was doing. Steve Irwin was a man full of the excitement of living – a man who seemed to love life itself. I heard that a spokesman made the comment that he loved his job, he loved the animals, but most of all, he loved being a dad. I believe it.

And then I wonder…would people believe that about me? When they see me with my children — in the store, the library, a park, a restaurant, at home — would they believe that I love being a mom? Do the words and the tone I use with my children convey to the world that I enjoy what I do? Or, more importantly, does it express to my family that I love spending my time with them? Does my son realize that I’m impressed with his magic tricks; do my daughters know that their drawings are great works of art; do they know that even the smallest accomplishment is a reason to celebrate? If they didn’t know it before, they will now. Thank you, Steve.