Happy Birthday Steven!

Steven loves to be a boy scout.  He enjoys the associations with the men and boys in the program and he has a strong affinity for the characteristics that the boy scout program strives to teach the young men.  He had to write a paper for school describing his characteristics and was having a lot of trouble trying to put it in writing.  I finally said to him "Are you Trustworthy,  Loyal, Helpful, Friendly, Courteous, Kind, Obedient, Cheerful, Thrifty, Brave, Clean and Reverent?"  A light went on as he realized that he really was all those things.  He had memorized the scout law but I don't know if he had really connected in his mind that those were characteristics that truly described him.  He was able to pick a few of the characteristics from the scout law and then was easily able to write the paper.  

Steven really does exemplify all these characteristics and always has.  He is someone that truly loves the people around him and finds the good in them.  He is just nice to others.  This is a great gift that his Heavenly Father gave him as he began his journey on Earth and his father and I enjoy seeing him develop this talent.  Many times I have found out after the fact that Steven has done something kind for others.  Once when Steven was in elementary school I went to the school to set up for an art class during lunch time.  I was surprised to see Steven and a few others in the classroom talking to some of the counselors instead of at recess.  Later I asked the school counselor what the meeting was about.  She told me that she was working with some students that had some social/behavioral problems.  Steven was friends with one of the boys and had volunteered to participate with the group to lend some support.  She expressed gratitude that he was willing to do that because it made such a difference to the student who was trying to work through some problems.  I have to say that I was impressed that Steven had recognized that that would be helpful and he was willing to give up recess to do that. 

This year is middle school Steven has continued to be aware of others and the school has recognized this.  He was picked as Student of the Month is January and was given a certificate acknowledging this accomplishment.

In addition Steven has been invited by the school administration to be on a committee of 14 students to meet once a month to discuss ways that the school environment can be improved by the development of positive characteristics.  It is quite an honor to be chosen to participate in this way and is a recognition of how Steven tries to live his life.  

 I am really pleased with Steven and the choices he is making in his life.  I enjoy watching him grow and develop.  He is getting excited that he is gaining on me in the height department and I fully expect that he will pass me up this year.  He strives to make good choices and is a pleasure to have around.  Today he turns 13 and officially becomes a teenager.  Knowing Steven he will be excited about this stage of life and all the opportunities it offers.

Happy Birthday Steven!