Cathletic
Cole told me that his new friend from third grade is 'cathletic'. I said, "Oh. Can you remind me what 'cathletic' means?" He said, "You know, they do that thing where they draw a cross on themselves." Ahhhh. Yes, now I understood.
Cole said, "I told him that I'm only part cathletic." I asked, "How's that?" He said, "Well, you know... like Aunt Fay and Uncle Clem are cathletic... 'cause they do that cross thing, too. So since I'm related to them, I'm part cathletic, right?"
I explained to my dear boy that athletic and 'cathletic' are in two separate categories. Regardless of the denomination, faith is not a gene that you inherit from the people you look like. It's a family that you join, but you might be the only one with your last name. These family members, though genetically diverse, all share a common trait: Their eyes. They can see something that the people chasing after money and sex and power and luxuries can't see. They see Jesus. They see that he is far, far more beautiful and desirable than any of these pursuits.
My kids are part Irish because I'm Irish. But faith is an all-or-nothing deal. I can point out Jesus' loveliness to my children, but ultimately He must open their little eyes.