We bought this train set for The Grand last Christmas. It has about a million pieces so throughout the year we have brought out a few pieces as he is ready for more. This afternoon I thought, Why not empty the box?!

While Gene was in the shower I brought out piece 800,000 to 1,000,000. My first instinct was to get out the directions with pictures. I am so not mechanically minded. The Grand and I put together a few pieces as I stalled waiting for Gene to help. When he came out he was shocked by all the pieces. I offered to show him the directions. He scoffed. What was I thinking? He has been building roads and bridges for decades. He certainly did not need directions. The two of them had a ball making tracks go up and down and all around.

There is something so sweet about watching a Pops and Grand play trains.

The final and best joy of my day came when I rocked the little guy before bed. When the girls were little I used to sing my own medley of Jesus Loves Me, Oh How I Love Jesus, and Amazing Grace. Out of habit I do the same for Harvey. Tonight when I sang Amazing Grace, The Grand sang with me. Yes, for real! He sang the words as or before I sang them! He was so proud of himself. His little face beamed at me through the darkness of the room. I was thrilled!

Moms and Dads of kids of all ages, I know you are tired, bone tired. I am too. But hang in there. Keep on singing Amazing Grace. Keep on praying with your kids, teaching manners, a good work ethic, respect, and about God. And even better, model those things. As I’ve said many times before, there are no guarantees in parenting. But by giving your best you are giving your kids a great foundation upon which to make their own choices and live their lives.

Our kids have made plenty of decisions that Gene and I haven’t agreed with. But they have also made many more fabulous decisions and we are thrilled to be included in their lives as they move forward. All we pour into our kids is an investment in them and our lifelong relationship with them.

Brenda Garrison is an author and speaker who empowers women with the confidence to live their calling. Brenda is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science Degree in Ministry Leadership with a Concentration in Women’s Ministry at Moody Bible Institute. She and her husband, Gene, are the parents of three young adult daughters and live near Metamora, IL.