That’s the question that my 4-year old asked me. And he was set on getting an answer.  And he wanted more than the “Yea, you’re bigger…” response.

So I side stepped his question and returned one back, “What do you think?  Can you tell me some ways that you know you’re bigger?”

And he did. He told me he was bigger and this is how he knew:

1. “I eat big boy food.”  He is really proud of not having his sandwiches cut in half anymore.

2. “I drink water and swim in it too.”  True on both accounts.  In the last couple weeks he began swimming in the deep end with no life jacket on.  Fearless.

3. “I like to exercise.”  It was funny to hear this from him, but he was quick to say that he exercises by “Going on long bike rides and walking Raven.”

4. “I go to school everyday and learn new stuff.”  He’s pumped about being able to go to preschool each afternoon.

5. “I have friends.”  Another sign of growing up

This was a fun conversation!

The suddenly reflective state of my 4-year old stirred some reflection in me. “In what ways am I bigger?”

I thought about it a bit and then decided to use Cooba’s Growth Inventory to see how I’ve grown:

1. I make big family food.  This has been a fun process and I have definitely grown in shopping, preparing, and serving food for my family of six.  I even created a monthly Family Supper Menu for easier execution.

2. I drink water (and swim in it too).  Pop is no longer in the rotation of things I drink.  That’s crazy to me, since I used to drink 4 liters of Mt. Dew a day!

3. I exercise (and like it too).  I’m not doing P90X, running marathons, or training for a triathlon either.  And I’m finally okay with that.  That’s super for those around me who are doing those things.  For me, I just walk.  Sometimes it’s out in nature but most of the time it’s on the treadmill in the basement.  Four miles a day, five days a week.  Walking has become a highlight of my day.

4. I’m learning everyday.  For a long time I’ve had the goal to read daily.  So, I’d read a book and it ended there.  Not anymore.  I’m finally acting on it.  The YouVersion Bible App on my phone has been fantastic for managing a Daily Bible Reading, and I also plowed through three books last month.  Reading keeps me learning and growing.

5. I have a best friend (and some other good friends too!).  My wife is my best friend and we have had an exciting marriage journey.  Through all of the ups/downs/ins/outs/overs/unders/arounds/throughs, I’ve never felt more comfortable in knowing that we are best friends.  We celebrate each other, solve problems together, and are having a blast together as we raise four kids.

I’m glad Cooba asked that simple “Am I bigger…” question. Growing is fun and it’s neat to take some time to reflect.

Question: What ways have you grown? How do you encourage your kids in their growth?